Confidence in Nom du Jeu for Melbourne Cup

Nom du Jeu is rated the best chance for a New Zealand trained horse in this afternoon's Melbourne Cup at Flemington

4 November 2008
Cambridge trainer Murray Baker believes Nom du Jeu is in great shape ahead of this afternoon's Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The four-year-old is considered New Zealand's top hope for the $6.3 million race.

Baker says Nom du Jeu's biggest challenge is likely to come from several foreign entries, including English trained horse and Cup favourite Mad Rush.

This year there are almost 10 competitors from England, Ireland and France and Baker says it is not surprising the Europeans are starting to flood into Flemington as it is one of the top races to win in the world.

Rain has fallen in Melbourne in the lead-up to the race and Baker says that will aid the European raiders even more.

Nom du Jeu will start from the inside barrier, a draw that Baker expects will not be an issue. He says the positions will change once the tempo begins to quicken and there will be gaps available.

A New Zealand-trained horse has not won the Melbourne Cup in seven years.

Prize Lady and Boundless are the other two New Zealand trained horses in the field, while Master O?Reilly, C'est La Guerre, Gallopin and Guyno are all New Zealand bred.

Meanwhile, corporate bookmakers are offering an array of alternative bets on the Melbourne Cup, ranging from the first local horse across the line to what time it will take to run the race.

One agency has embraced Nom Du Jeu as first "ANZAC" home despite New Zealand trainer Murray Baker saying he can not accept being bracketed with Australia in a sporting contest.

Another bookmaker has set up a "Race Against The Clock" market, pitting this year's winner against past greats. The same betting firm has also posted markets on winning margins, saddlecloths and barriers.

And Irish jockey John Egan has been fined $8000 Australian dollars for describing Australian veterinary surgeons as a "couple of tin pot Hitlers". Egan made the remark at the weekend after vets ordered his mount Yellowstone to undergo an additional fitness test before being allowed to run in today's Melbourne Cup.

Yellowstone injured his hip in his stall last week and has been scratched on the eve of the race on vet's advice.

Australian racing stewards have charged Egan with bringing the sport into disrepute. Egan has pleaded guilty.

Zarita has also been scratched.

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