NZ-trained Melbourne Cup runners

New Zealand will have five runners in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.

They are:

DAFFODIL
Trained by Kevin Gray at Palmerston North. Jockey: Chris Munce. Owned by Garry and Mary Chittick. Breeding: 4-y-o mare by No Excuse Needed out of Spring. Has won seven from 21 including group one AJC Oaks in the autumn and the group one Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on September 19. Didn't get ideal run when fourth in the Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings on October 3 and battled well for fourth in the Caulfield Cup on October 17.

Comment: Best of the New Zealand chances on form. Question mark over the distance on breeding, but Hugh Bowman who rode her in the oaks thought she would be suited by the 3200m. Top prospect, though wide draw a concern. Barrier draw: 21. Odds: $15 in NZ, $16 in Australia.

CAPECOVER
Trained by Alexander Fieldes at Wanganui. Jockey: Noel Harris. Owned by Kevin Myers, Nick Brookes and Kerry Barker. Breeding: 7-y-o gelding by Cape Cross out of Set Up. Has won 10 from 36, including group three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) last spring in Melbourne. Finished fourth to Sand Hawk over 2500m at Moonee Valley on September 30 before seventh placing in Herbert Power (2400m) at Caulfield on October 10 and made ground late for seventh in the Bendigo Cup (2200m) last Wednesday.

Comment: Hasn't flattered but campaign has been aimed all along at the 3200m Cup. Kerrin McEvoy who rode him on Wednesday thought he could finish in first six in Cup. Wide draw makes it tough though. Barrier draw: 19. Odds: $41 in NZ, $81 in Australia.

HARRIS TWEED
Trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker at Cambridge. Jockey: Craig Newitt. Owner: Phil Bayly. Breeding: 4-y-o gelding by Montjeu out of Sally. Has won three from 15, including the group two Tulloch Stakes (2000m) in the autumn. Followed that with a second to Roman Emperor in the AJC Australian Derby (2400m). Finished 14th in the Kelt Capital Stakes and was 10th in the Caulfield Cup, 6-3/4 lengths from winner Viewed.

Comment: Form has not been inspiring, but Newitt's comment after Caulfield Cup that he was looking for 3200m gives some encouragement. Talented horse with question mark over maturity. Barrier draw: 20. Odds: $61 in NZ; $101 in Australia.

SPIN AROUND
Trained by Steven Cooper at Ardmore, Auckland. Jockey: Mark Du Plessis. Owned by Brookby Stables. Breeding: 9-y-o gelding by Spinning World out of Be Yourself. Has won 10 from 57, including the group one Auckland Cup as topweight. Finished 12th in the Seymour Cup (1600m) on October 18 and then 10th in the Geelong Cup on October 21.

Comment: Veteran coming into race with an unorthodox preparation, but trainer seems happy with him. Hard to see him winning but his form at the distance gives some hope, not that the Aussie bookmakers see it that way. Barrier draw: 4. Odds: $101 in NZ, $201 in Australia.

GALLIONS REACH
Trained by Richard Yuill at Pukekohe. Jockey: Dwayne Dunn. Owners: David, Natalie and Simon Archer and Diane Wright. Breeding: 7-y-o gelding by Victory Dance out of Dorinka. Has won nine from 48 starts, including the Counties Cup and Zabeel Classic. Form this season was dismal before running fifth in the Bendigo Cup last week.

Comment: Form has not been good enough to be a serious contender in the Cup. Barrier draw: 6. Odds: $101 in NZ, $201 in Australia.

- NZPA