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MEDIA RELEASE

November 5, 2012

Chances aplenty in classy Cup field

It’s being touted as the best Melbourne Cup field in years and the TAB agrees, with the going tough in terms of separating the leading hopes in the 152nd running of The Great Race at Flemington tomorrow.

In keeping with the increasingly international flavour of the Melbourne Cup, European raiders are to the fore again this year, with Dunaden, Americain, Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos.

Americain is fixed odds favourite at the TAB at $6 for the win, with last year’s Cup winner Dunaden and Mount Athos next in line at $7.

British runner Red Cadeaux ($9) rounds out the leading hopes of a powerful European contingent.

While the overseas raiders have attracted most interest, there are some good chances from closer to home lining up in the big one at Flemington.

Runner-up to Cup winner Americain in 2010, Kiwi-bred Maluckyday and his Kiwi jockey Jim Cassidy have another shot this year and lead the second-tier of betting at $14. Fellow Kiwi-bred hope Lights of Heaven sits at $21, with Kellini – trained by Foxton ex-pat Chris Waller – also at $21 for the win.

Other New Zealand-bred hopes in the race are Precedence ($81) – trained by “Cups King” Bart Cummings – and Zabeelionaire ($51), while gun Kiwi jockey James McDonald, of Cambridge, will have his first Melbourne Cup ride on Irish-bred stayer Fiorente ($26).

For the latest Melbourne Cup odds, and a full range of betting options and specials, go to tab.co.nz.

The 2012 Melbourne Cup will be run at 5pm NZT on Tuesday, November 6.

ENDS