Race 3
7 Fox Hall ($18): An underrated 5-year-old who was good first-up when just getting nabbed in a hot race at Geelong. Two quinella finishes from three second-up finishes and placed in eight of the nine at this trip, with four wins.
Selections: 7-10-4-12
Race 4
10 Shraaoh ($5.00): A UK import who won at Goodwood over 2800m, two starts back. Now with Chris Waller, we're expecting a big run at their first Australian effort.
Selections: 10-11-14-23
Race 5
8 Singular Sensation ($14): A dominant winner in both its career starts in Queensland, including a three-length win at Doomben last start, a year back. It resumes after a long spell but has a strong trial win and is from a very astute stable.
Selections: 8-5-6-3
Race 6
5 Beauty ($10): Undefeated with three wins from three startsand showing plenty of class lifting to a listed level last start with a win in the Crockett. Has been drawn well so should run a big race back at her home track.
Selections: 5-13-3-12
Race 7
11 Yucatan ($5.50): The heavily supported Melbourne Cup favourite who was absolutely dominant in the Herbert Power. Could have won that race by 12 lengths if pushed out. James McDonald keeps the ride. A very good Northern Hemisphere horse from the Team Williams stable who just focus everything on this race. Outstanding value.
Selections: Coming soon
[Melbourne Cup - Runner-by-runner guide and best betting tips]
Race 8
1 Stampede ($6.00): Marked his return from a six-month spell with a five-length win in BM100 company at Randwick. Has won two of four second-up. Handles all going. The Waterhouse/Baster combination is lethal.
Selections: 1-6-13-3
Race 9
6 Trekking ($4.40): Still looking to get out at Caulfield after being sensationally backed into favouritism. Had won two straight prior, the latter at listed level. Has a ton of ability, wins with any luck.
Selections: 6-9-3-5
Race 10
4 Princess Posh ($11): Sticking with this consistent mare who is due a change of luck. Should have nearly won the Tesio last start. The big Flemington track will suit her. Excellent price.
Selections: 4-3-12-2
Best Bet: 1 Stampede (Race 8)
Next Best: 6 Trekking (Race 9)
Roughie: 7 Fox Hall (Race 3)
For more Melbourne Cup related content have a listen to The Spring Fever Racing Podcast hosted by Des Coppins and TAB bookie Stephen Hunt.