While all the Super Saturday of Racing hype is on Black Caviar to make history and win the 2011 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington this afternoon, a field of top stayers are also gearing up to face off in the $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) in Flemington Race 7 at 3:20pm (AEDST).
Australian Cup betting odds at Luxbet are still lead by $4.60 favourite Heart Of Dreams, Mick Price’s last-start winner of the St George Stakes having drifted out slightly in the market from his $4.40 quote yesterday.
Queries over whether Heart Of Dreams can and will ever win a weight-for-age over 2000m will be answered this afternoon, but it seems some punters aren’t risking his less-than-impressive record at the Australian Cup distance.
A fourth place finish was all the Show A Heart gelding could manage in the 2010 Australian Cup last year, but considering he was beaten by just 1 ½ length by Zipping and that Zipping is not lining-up in today’s showdown, Heart Of Dreams certainly has his claims to become the Australian Cup winner in 2011.
Money came in for Shocking overnight in the Australian Cup odds at Luxbet, our favourite to win Flemington Race 7 this afternoon firming in from $8 to $7.50.
Now is the time to get behind Shocking, however, as his price is back out to $8.
Shocking is specialist at the Flemington track, well suited to 2000m, drawn in barrier 12 where Zipping jumped from to win the Australian Cup 12 months ago and at $8 is the best value in the Australian Cup field.
Other 2011 Australian Cup Betting Market Drifters:
- #6 Ginga Dude ($15 out to $16 Luxbet) – No rain, track too firm for this Kiwi
- #9 Moudre ($6.50 out to $7 Luxbet) – Not without claims, will improve from eighth place in St George but punters don’t fancy, has draw and jockey so add into exotics
- #11 Cedarberg ($17 out to $19 Luxbet) – Looks outclassed but is a tough galloper and if speed suits could prove a great roughie to have money on in an upset results
The Australian Cup odds on just one runner have firmed recently, consistent Perth galloper Playing God now at $8.50 in from $9 through Luxbet.
Playing God has plenty of claims here despite their wide barrier 11 draw.
The Neville Parham-trained Blackfriars colt is a Group 1 winner in WA, lightweight of the Australian Cup field and coming off a good third in the Australian Guineas sure to improve after his first look at the Flemington track.
Whether you want to back the favourite Heart Of Dreams to come good in the Australian Cup or back a roughie with decent form for an upset, Luxbet have you covered.
At Luxbet you are guaranteed to get the best Australian Cup and other Flemington race odds today with their ‘Best of the Best’ markets that pay you the Best Tote or Best Fluc – whatever is highest – when you win!
