'93 MELBOURNE CUP FASHION SHOW

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 510, 2 November 1993, Page 9

'93 MELBOURNE CUP FASHION SHOW

Come on down to the

The Melbourne Cup., the world' s richest twomile race, is on again today and a quick look at the form suggests New Zealand galloper The Phantom will be vthe horse to beat. The 8-year-old proved he is in top form last Saturday

with an easy win in the 2000m Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington. The gelding beat out Fraar by an easy three lengths, and the Cup outing should prove third time lucky for The Phantom who will take a drop in weight since the Mackinnon of 4kg down

to 55kg. Another horse to watch will be Great Vintage. The Melbourne Cup King, trainer Bart Cummings will be looking for his 11th Cup with this horse and is very confident that she can do it carrying only 49.5kg. Cummings' second string Tennessee Jack is also looming as a serious threat after winning the Dalgety Handicap last Saturday. Eight of the Melbourne Cup starters ran in the Dalgety, which has

always been considered a litmus test for the Cup. Tennessee Jack is also being ridden by the current golden boy of Victorian racing, Damien Oliver. Tennessee Jack is also one of the few strong contenders to draw a good barrier in 3. Other horses which can't be ruled out are Our Pompeii, who is 5 to 1 equal favourite with The Phantom, and the English stayer Drum Taps who has performed very well in track work

and is obviously only in Australia for one reason. As for the roughies in the field Our Tristalight ran a very handy race in the Mackinnon, running on strongly at the finish and proving she can stay. She's been kept under wraps by trainer Bart Cummings and represents good value at 20 to 1. Maraakiz also was impressive in the Dalgety putting in a top run for second. The gelding has been displaying good form of late and is trained by the

wonderboy, David Hayes. For sentimental money the NZ Cup winner, Mercator might put up a show. He's a proven two miler and his Cambridge trainer Royce Dowling is quietly confident. A

good dollar each way bet. My personal selections: lst, Great Vintage; 2nd, The Phantom; 3rd, Tennessee Jack. Rough each way bets: Maraakiz, Our Tristalight, Mercator.