The Melbourne Cup fortunes of leading contender Point Of Law have been significantly improved following the barrier draw for the prestigious Flemington feature.
At only his sixth career start, the $6 favourite secured barrier nine for the 166th running of Australia’s most iconic race. Trainer Ciaron Maher considers this an entirely suitable gate for the four-year-old’s prospects.
“Barrier nine is ideal,” Maher commented, acknowledging that the galloper’s relative inexperience, though lessened since his September arrival in Australia, remains a minor consideration.
“I thought he needed a decent enough draw and that barrier, he needs to get the first half of the race right (but) I’m rapt with him and I think he’s thriving.”
The winner of the Group 2 Geelong Cup (2400m) now faces the challenge of being the 47th horse of his age to claim the 3200-metre prize.
Maher is set to field a record seven runners. Among them, 2025 third-place finisher Middle Earth drew barrier one, Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) victor Juja Kibo is in gate 14, and Shockletz is in barrier 17.
“Barrier one didn’t hurt Tempted the other day,” Maher added, referring to the sprinter’s notable win over Ka Ying Rising.
“The owners were saying that barrier one might be ideal and I said I’d rather be there than in 24.
“He is ready to run the race of his career and he has had a similar prep to last year. He loves Flemington and has the engine for two mile though I think the handicapper got him a bit with his performance last year with 56.5-kilos.
“He’s a two- miler and there’s probably only half the field that will be.”
Maher highlighted $23 chance Zahrann, from barrier 11, as a potential overlooked contender, and also rated $11 chance Shockletz as one of his strongest hopes from barrier 17.
While not entirely out of contention, Harry Coffey’s participation is uncertain after he was taken to hospital for scans on a suspected collarbone injury sustained in a fall from Pondalowie during the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), which was won by Lady Shenandoah.
Irish contender James J Braddock, now at $13 in Melbourne Cup betting, drew the outermost gate, barrier 24.
Punters looking for the best odds on the Melbourne Cup can explore the latest racing odds available at top Australian betting sites.
