Melbourne Cup

Trainer Michael Pitman is of a mind to back up Coup Align at Caulfield next Saturday after a win in the $A75,000 Apache Cat Classic at Cranbourne yesterday.

So You Think will run as favourite in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup for Bart Cummings and Dato Tan Chin Nam despite reports the champion had been sold to an international stud.

An 82-year-old grandfather is leading the defence of the Melbourne Cup from an annual international invasion which has globalised Australia's most famous horse race.

The Victoria Turf Club came in for some criticism when it decided its new race in 1861 would be a two mile handicap, with many saying it should be at set weights. The fact the Melbourne Cup remains a handicap over 3200 metres is what makes it unique in world racing.

Last week, retired international jockey Michael Kinane went on record saying So You Think would find the Melbourne Cup beyond his capabilities.

So You Think remains the dominant favourite for tomorrow's Melbourne Cup but punters have rallied to Maluckyday at the Call of the Card in Melbourne.

If the fairytale script proves right and Bart Cummings wins an amazing 13th Melbourne Cup tomorrow, it will also be a triumph for the New Zealand breeding industry.

So You Think has replaced last year's winner Shocking as Melbourne Cup favourite after a devastating Mackinnon Stakes win and a perfect barrier draw.

Shocking will have to overcome the extreme outside barrier in the 24-horse field to win the Melbourne Cup for a second time.

Some facts about the $6 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday:

Posh wanted to be part of it; instead the Melbourne Cup carnival got Scary.

The powerful Godolphin stable has found itself with two runners in the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup, giving Kerrin McEvoy the chance to win the race for the second time.

All is in readiness for Bart Cummings to attend the Melbourne Cup with the master trainer released from hospital today after a health scare.

Patrick Smullen says Profound Beauty is in probably the best form of her career going into Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, but the Irish jockey fears one of the world's best gallopers, So You Think, stands in her way.

The front page headlines about the health concerns of an 82-year-old horse trainer are testament to the high regard in which Bart Cummings is held.

Japanese trainer Kenji Nonaka sees the likely wet conditions of the Flemington track as a major concern for veteran stayer Tokai Trick in Tuesday's $6 million ($NZ7.7 million) Melbourne Cup.

The fashionistas' tip for the Melbourne Cup should be Monaco Consul.

Bad day at work? At least you're not riding in the Melbourne Cup.