SPORT/BET: Melbourne Cup

The race that stops a nation (or two). My public predictions so far have been absolute crap, but that's not going to stop me continuing.

The winner will be either:

EYE POPPER - Japanese horse second in the Caulfield Cup. Beat Makybe Diva over 3200m in Japan earlier this year, and meets her again on better terms (i.e. weights). Only thing that can stop this nag is the jockey. Even from draw 9 it will be no surprise to see sitting in the carpark rounding the turn.

RAILINGS - won the Caulfield Cup, traditionally the best lead-up race.

LEICA FALCON - this horse could be the next superstar stayer. Came from last in the Caulfield Cup to finish fifth. Has ability and a light weight.

Roughies that could upset:

GREYS INN - proven international whose two runs in Oz may look ordinary, but is not a horse deserving to be paying $60 plus. And by that great New Zealand sire Zabeel, who seems to be good at fathering Melbourne Cup winners.

PORTLAND SINGA - Brisbane Cup winner whose lead-up form looks worse than it has been. Gets a good run from draw 1.

DISTINCTION - British horse, finished sixth last year with a checked run and has run well this year.

XCELLENT - yes, the Kiwi horse deserves one more chance after two failures in Oz on rain-affected tracks.

And yes, Makybe Diva will NOT win the Melbourne Cup ...