Melbourne Cup Draw: Waller Unlucky, Irish Cheer

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Post on Nov 02, 2024

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Melbourne Cup Draw: Waller Unlucky, Irish Cheer as International Contenders Get Favourable Gates

The 2023 Melbourne Cup draw has been revealed, and the reaction from trainers and punters alike has been mixed. While some are rejoicing at favourable gates, others are left lamenting the cruel hand of fate.

Chris Waller's Unfortunate Draw:

The most prominent name feeling the sting of the draw is Chris Waller, the renowned Australian trainer. His two contenders, “Westover” and “Durston”, were drawn in barriers 14 and 23, respectively. Both are considered top contenders, but these wide gates will make their task significantly more challenging.

Waller, known for his meticulous preparation, will now need to devise a strategy to overcome the disadvantage of starting from the back of the field. The wide gates could force jockeys to be aggressive early on, potentially putting the horses under pressure before they even reach the first bend.

Irish Charge Gets a Boost:

In contrast, the Irish contingent is celebrating. “Deauville Legend” and “County Star”, both trained by the highly-regarded Dermot Weld, drew barriers 11 and 15 respectively. While these are not ideal gates, they offer a much better starting point than the wide draws endured by Waller's horses.

Other Key Draws:

Other notable draws include:

• “Gold Trip” (barrier 13) - a top contender that will have a challenging but manageable start.
• “Smokin' Romans” (barrier 2) - drawn a fantastic gate, putting him in a prime position to make a strong early move.
• “Little Big Bear” (barrier 18) - will face a similar challenge to Waller's horses with a wide draw.

The Importance of a Good Draw:

The Melbourne Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a gruelling 3200 meters, and a good draw can significantly impact a horse's chances of success. A favourable gate allows horses to settle into a good rhythm, conserve energy, and avoid the jostling for position that often occurs in the early stages of the race.

Awaiting Race Day:

With the draw complete, the focus now shifts to race day itself. The 2023 Melbourne Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse field of horses from around the globe. The strategic plans of each trainer and jockey will be put to the ultimate test as they strive for victory in this iconic race.