Key, Goff united in Melbourne Cup picks

Prime Minister John Key is backing NZ horse Daffodil to win today's Melbourne Cup. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The TAB is expecting a major splurge on New Zealand mare Daffodil from once-a-year punters in today's Melbourne Cup.

Daffodil eased out $1 to $15 on its final field book yesterday, but the public is expected to follow its political leaders and go for the mare, trained by 72-year-old Kevin Gray at Palmerston North, when the TAB doors open today.

Prime Minister John Key and Racing Minister John Carter both plumped for the plucky mare, who won the Australian Oaks at Sydney race track Randwick in the autumn.

"Spring is in the air so I will be backing Daffodil," said Key.

Opposition leader Phil Goff was in their camp for a change.

"I'm picking Daffodil. It's in with a real shot. However, I'm wary of Bart Cummings' horses and quite like the look of Alcopop too."

TAB racing bookmaker Stephen Hunt isn't so sure she can win, but says she will be a bad result for the TAB if she does.

"She will be she will be one of the top two worst results for us come start time of the race."

Hunt's tip is Viewed, one of the favourites and trained by "Cups King" Bart Cummings who is shooting for his 13th win in the great race.

"He's the defending champ whose lead-up form has been first class. Even though he's the topweight, this year's race doesn't seem to have the same depth as last year's."

Viewed and South Australian horse Alcopop were fighting out favouritism on the TAB, with Viewed at $4.50 last night ahead of $5.50 for Alcopop.

New Zealand has five horses in the race, but the other four are at outside odds. Capecover, to be ridden by New Zealand's oldest jockey, 54-year-old Noel Harris, is at $41, while Harris Tweed, owned by 86-year-old Phil Bayly is at $61. Auckland Cup winner Spin Around and Gallions Reach are both at $101.

The TAB raked in $7.6 million in last year's race and is expecting similar interest today.

Its total turnover on Melbourne Cup last year was $17.1 million, with 10 per cent of the population having a bet.

The race is due to start at 5pm NZT.

- NZPA