Mixed Fortunes For Aidan O’Brien At Draw

English Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck is predicted to start an outright favourite to deliver Aidan O’Brien his maiden win in a Melbourne Cup.

Master Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has had conflicting fortunes in the Melbourne Cup barrier draw with Anthony Van Dyck coming up with gate three and Tiger Moth barrier 23 ahead of his bid for a first Melbourne Cup.

After the draw Tiger Moth lost outright favouritism drifting from $7 to $8.

In contrast stablemate Anthony Van Dyck firmed from $9 into $8.

That pair joined the Ciaron Maher and -trained Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, who drew barrier 14, as equal favourites.

The TAB’s Adam Hamilton has predicted Anthony Van Dyck is likely to start favourite as a result of the draw.

“Of the three most fancied runners, Anthony Van Dyck was the best served at the draw and he’s likely to start favourite as a result,” Hamilton said.

Last year drew barrier 20 when he finished an unlucky fifth and he drew favourably in barrier seven to remain as a $9 chance.

The Danny O’Brien-trained won the Cup from barrier 21 last year and has drawn barrier four for his title defence.

O’Brien’s three other runners drew out with in barrier 13, in barrier 16 and gate 18.

Omen punters would have noted that , who rides Prince Of Arran, drew barrier one, which was the same alley as the only successful woman jockey won from when she scored aboard Prince Of Penzance in 2015.

Joseph O’Brien’s Melbourne Cup starters Master Of Reality and Twilight Payment drew alongside each other in barriers 11 and 12 respectively.

Star jockey was thrilled with Finche’s barrier draw in six.

“From that draw he should be able to get into a good rhythm. I should be able to put him in a good spot and there should be no excuses,” McDonald said.

The Chris Waller-trained Finche will be contesting his third Melbourne Cup having finished fourth in 2018 and seventh last year.

Finche is a $15 chance while stablemate and Caulfield Cup winner is at $13 after coming up with barrier 15.

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