Shocking is one of four horses returning in the 2010 Melbourne Cup tomorrow that were part of the Melbourne Cup field 12 months ago.
The Mark Kavanagh-trained Shocking claimed an upset Melbourne Cup win at Flemington last year, the $10 chance beating home Crime Scene ($41) and Mourilyan ($21) in the world’s richest handicap.
Shocking is back this year, the number one horse in the 150th Melbourne Cup field, the Street Cry five-year-old looking to become just the sixth horse in history to win multiple Melbourne Cups along with Makybe Diva (2003,2004,2005), Think Big (1974,1975), Rain Lover (1968,1969), Peter Pan (1932,1934) and the inaugural Melbourne Cup winner Archer (1861,1862).
Three other runners in the 2010 Melbourne Cup field are also back to do battle again after facing off against Shocking last year with Master O’Reilly, Zavite and Harris Tweed.
2010 Melbourne Cup Horse #14 Master O’Reilly
The Danny O’Brien-trained Master O’Reilly was fourth in the Melbourne Cup last year.
The now eight-year-old will again be ridden by jockey Vlad Duric, set to start from barrier 18 and due to carry 54kg tomorrow, one kilogram lighter than last year.
Tomorrow will be the fourth Melbourne Cup run for Master O’Reilly, having run eighth in 2007 and then two successive fourth place finishes, but based on his inconsistent recent form Luxbet have him as one of the longest-priced contenders at $251.
2010 Melbourne Cup Horse #17 Zavite
The Anthony Cummings-trained Zavite finished a distant 19th in the 2009 Melbourne Cup behind Shocking, but is back again seeking a better run tomorrow.
Zavite will be ridden by Michael Walker and in the Melbourne Cup barrier draw has come up with gate seven.
After a fourth place finish in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) two starts back, the Zabeel gelding has been less than impressive finishing dead last in the Turnbull and then seventh in the Caulfield Cup and as such is paying $126 at Luxbet.
2010 Melbourne Cup Horse #12 Harris Tweed
The best contender backing up from the Melbourne Cup last year is Harris Tweed, the 2009 Melbourne Cup fifth placegetter one of the top contenders for the race tomorrow.
The gallant Kiwi gelding trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker will be ridden by Brad Rawiller and has drawn barrier 13 in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field.
An excellent chance with just 54kg, Harris Tweed is coming off a brilliant second to Descarado in the Caulfield Cup, is in top form and can handle all conditions.
Our tip is to put Harris Tweed in your Melbourne Cup Exotics, or at $26 through Luxbet to win, back him Each Way.
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