Jukebox Jury can play the right tune in bid for Melbourne Cup glory
Since the inaugural running of the Melbourne Cup four international horses have prevailed, and there are no less than 11 European challengers for this year’s renewal, which will take place at 4am GMT on Tuesday.
Last year’s winner Americain, a top-priced 9-2 with Ladbrokes to successfully defend his crown, warmed up for his repeat bid with a victory at Moonee Valley, and the French raider has to be accorded the utmost respect.
However, Alain de Royer-Dupre’s charge has plenty more weight on his back this time around, and though he goes into the race fresher than he did last year, I’m pretty keen on the Mark Johnston-trained JUKEBOX JURY who rates a cracking each-way bet at the widely available 12-1.
The five-year-old has been handed a good draw in stall six and the recent rain will prove no hindrance to the grey who reaffirmed his effectiveness on an easy surface when dead-heating with Duncan in the Irish St Leger at The Curragh on his latest start.
The son of Montjeu has had a relatively light campaign, having had just four starts in 2011, and he looks better than ever. Indeed, his Irish Leger victory proceeded what was arguably a career-best performance in France where he saw off Kasbah Bliss and 11 other challengers in good style in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville.
While it’s likely that Americain, who was back in tenth on that occasion, will offer much sterner resistance this time, Jukebox Jury is only 2lb worse off with that rival here, and judged on the way he saw the race out over 1m 7f at Deauville, the extra furlong won’t be an issue. Neil Callan’s mount is a tough horse, and the fact that he’s ridden prominently will ensure that he doesn’t get involved in any scrimmaging at Flemington Park, factors which county for plenty.
Dunaden, another representing France, and Lucas Cranach, one of Australia’s best hopes of keeping the race at home, are both strong contenders, while the former Aidan O’Brien inmate At First Sight and Niwot, who has a handy racing weight of 8st, are others worthy of consideration.
In addition to the European challengers already alluded to, Brian Ellison fields two – Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi – Godolphin are also doubly-represented with Lost In The Moment and Modun, who was recently recruited from Sir Michael Stoute. Also, Johnston pitches Fox Hunt into the race along with the selection, and Luca Cumani, who has gone agonisingly close in this race before, relies on Drunken Sailor and Manighar. Ed Dunlop’s Red Cadeaux is also in the mix.
Of those, Lost In The Moment, who will be partnered by William Buick, could prove most dangerous. He was a shade disappointing at Ascot last time, but as reproduction of his effort in the Goodwood Cup in July when just failing to get to grips with classy stablemate Opinion Poll is rock-solid form, so I’d also have a small each-way saver on him at a standout 28-1 with bet365.