The big three races in Australia are the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. They are getting closer to being run and won, and over the next few weeks, Justhorseracing will have a look at a couple of key runners for each race that are scheduled to run on the weekend.
Caulfield Cup:
The United States
Caulfield Cup Price: $26 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: JRA Cup (2040m), October 2, Moonee Valley
Comment: Should have already been assured a start in the race, but was unlucky in the Naturalism. A win here, and he will go a long way towards gaining a start in the Caulfield Cup, and the $26 will be great overs if indeed he salutes on Friday night.
Almoonqith
Caulfield Cup Price: $34 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: Metropolitan (2400m), October 3, Randwick
Comment: Another that was unlucky in the Naturalism, coming from near last to run sixth, beaten just under two lengths. The stable used this race in 2006 with Tawqeet and he went on to win it and then the Caulfield Cup. Big watch.
Cox Plate:
Happy Trails
Cox Plate Price: $26 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: Turnbull Stakes (2000m), October 4, Flemington
Comment: An absolute marvel who has performed in outstanding fashion in past Cox Plates, and he appears spot on for another crack after his excellent fifth in the Makybe Diva. He loves racing at Flemington and will take some beating on Sunday.
Hartnell
Cox Plate Price $15 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: Turnbull Stakes (2000m), October 4, Flemington
Comment: Star Godolphin galloper who is an absolute star. He ran very well first up at Randwick in the Chelmsford. Freshened up and looked sharp in a trial win on that track and was sent to Flemington soon after. Drawn terribly here, but he is spot on for the Cox Plate and then the Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Cup:
Foundry
Melbourne Cup Price: $51 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: The Bart Cummings (2520m), October 4, Flemington
Comment: He has been a little bit of an enigma to follow, but his last start effort in the Kingston Town (2000m) at Rosehill was excellent. Wins here and he is in the Melbourne Cup, and he is getting better with each run under the belt and looks well placed to win this Sunday.
Grand Marshall
Melbourne Cup Price: $34 at Sportsbet.com.au
Next Race Start: Craven Plate (2000m), October 3, Randwick
Comment: Sydney Cup winner who caught the eye late near the inside when a close up seventh to stablemate Preferment in the Hill Stakes. He is ticking on nicely for the big handicaps and should run well on the weekend before he heads towards the Caulfield Cup and then the first Tuesday in November.
