Three-time Melbourne Cup runner up Red Cadeaux has been heavily supported to win the Group 1 feature at Flemington this Saturday.
The star international runner has been backed in from $15 to $13 on the back of a solid $2000 bet with Sportsbet.com.au.
“Punters are getting in behind Red Cadeaux and if any horse deserves a Cup win it is him,” said Sportsbet's Shaun Anderson.
“He's the best backed runner ahead of Protectionist, who will be a lot fitter for his second-up run.”
2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist looked to have needed its fresh up run for new trainer Kris Lees, but will progress nicely as the season continues towards another Melbourne Cup campaign.
2015 Australian Cup market, barrier draw and odds:
1. Red Cadeaux (14) – $13
2. Protectionist (3) – $5.50
3. Happy Trails (4) – $4.50
4. Foreteller (5) – $10
5. Extra Zero (16) – $67
6. Mourinho (13) – $11
7. The Cleaner (9) – $15
8. Puccini (2) – $34
9. Lidari (6) – $51
10. Akzar (11) – $10
11. Au Revoir (10) – $16
12. Big Memory (15) – $41
13. Sonntag (7) – $126
14. Entirely Platinum (1) – $26
15. Spillway (8) – $10
16. Greatwood (12) – $21 at BetEasy.com.au
Money topples for Lankan Rupee in Newmarket Handicap
The Newmarket Handicap is a time-honoured race at Flemington and this year's edition has everyone excited with the rematch of Chautauqua vs. Lankan Rupee vs. Terravista, and throw in Brazen Beau ($4.50) for good measure.
The four aforementioned horses are set for battle in the Group 1 sprint, but despite the Hawkes'-trained Chautauqua holding favourtism at $2.90, money has come solidly for the best rated sprinter in the world, Lankan Rupee.
“The punters love Lankan Rupee. He was sensational in winning the Lightning [Handicap] and the punters think he can win again,” said Sportsbet.com.au's Will Bryne.
“He's easily the best-backed runner and holds more than half the money wagered on the race.”
Chautauqua opened at $2.70 but has since drifted out to $2.90, whereas Lankan Rupee opened at $3.80 and has firmed significantly into $3.50.
Last start Darley Classic winner Terravista ($6 at WilliamHill) is trying to defy history by winning the Newmarket fresh up, but the Joseph Pride-trained gelding has the obvious class to overcome that barrier.
The Chris Waller-trained Brazen Beau is slipping under the radar but the bookmakers haven't missed the three-year-old colt in the market. The son of I Am Invincible opened on the third line of betting at $4.50 but it has drifted out to $4.60.
It finished second behind Lankan Rupee fresh up but defeated the previously unbeaten Deep Field which makes it a major player in this.
Other Newmarket Handicap chances: Vain Queen ($21), Watermans Bay ($21), Delectation ($21), Fast ‘n' Rocking ($26), Earthquake ($34), Flamberge ($34), Driefontein ($34).
Mudgee runner looking to join Championships party
When The Championships committee dreamed that the very best horses in Australasia and the world would be entered, they didn't expect Binalong Road from Mudgee to be apart of the action.
With the Country Championship Final on the cards for the 2015 Championships, it has given the more provincial horses a chance at the limelight and Mack Griffith-trained Binalong Road has attracted plenty of support for the grand final.
“Binalong Road bolted in at Bathurst so it's not surprising punters are getting behind him. He's fully qualified, but we have Voodoo Lad as the favourite, just,” said Sportsbet's Shaun Anderson.
Voodoo Lad runs at Tamworth on Thursday where it currently stands as the favourite and race-rival In A Wink also looks a good chance for the Country Championship in April.
With qualifying races held throughout March, the market is constantly changing but Sportsbet have released their early market.
Top market chances*
Voodoo Lad – $6
In A Wink – $7
Tarangower – $7
Binalong Road – $7 at Sportsbet.com.au
Youwaitandsee – $8
Royal Jackpot – $9
Fell Swoop – $9
Crooked Blaze – $11
Artlee – $11