Racing: Japanese raider tipped

MELBOURNE - Melbourne bookmaker Michael Eskander has tipped Japanese raider Eye Popper to win tomorrow's Melbourne Cup after champion Makybe Diva came up with barrier 14.

Makybe Diva jumped from the same gate when she won her first Melbourne Cup in 2003 and from seven when successful last year.

Others horses to win from 14 have been Comic Court (1950), Galilee (1966), Gold And Black (1977) and Subzero (1992).

But Eskander said while barrier 14 initially looked a perfect draw, it may not be for her this time.

"There is not much speed inside her," Eskander said.

Makybe Diva is $4 favourite with Eskander but $3.50 on Victoria's TAB Sportsbet and $3.75 with the New South Wales equivalent.

Eskander hasn't tipped the mare to run a place, naming Eye Popper ($8) to win from Railings ($5.50) and Portland Singa ($26).

Eye Popper, who drew barrier nine, meets Railings (5) at 2kg better for being beaten a short neck when runner-up to him in the Caulfield Cup on October 16.

Railings was re-handicapped 2kg for winning the Caulfield Cup to take his Melbourne Cup weight to 54kg after earlier going up 1kg for his victory in the Metropolitan in Sydney.

Brisbane Cup winner Portland Singa, who will jump from barrier one, finished eighth in the Caulfield Cup, beaten 4 1/2-1/2 lengths.

Latest from Michael Eskander: $4 Makybe Diva; $5.50 Railings, Leica Falcon; $8 Eye Popper; $12 Vinnie Roe; $15 Demerger, Mr Celebrity; $18 Xcellent; $21 Lachlan River; $26 Portland Singa; $34 Distinction, Dizelle, Strasbourg; $41 Hugs Dancer; $51 On A Jeune; $61 Vouvray; $67 Greys Inn; $101 Franklins Gardens, Bazelle; $126 Kindjhal, Umbula; $161 Rizon; $201 Envoy, Kamsky.

NZ TAB: $4 Makybe Diva; $6 Leica Falcon, Railings; $8 Eye Popper; $12 Vinnie Roe; $14 Xcellent; $16 Demerger; $18 Mr Celebrity; $25 Lachlan River, Strasbourg; $30 Portland Singa; $35 Distinction; $40 Dizelle; $50 On A Jeune, Hugs Dancer; $60 Vouvray, Bazelle, Greys Inn; $100 Kindjhal, Envoy, Franklins Gardens; $125 Umbula; $150 Rizon; $200 Kamsky.