Melbourne Cup Contention

Fashioned by racing enthusiasts as the greatest 3200 meter handicap horse-race, the Melbourne Cup has been run since the mid-1800′s. In 2008, the Cup is fielded with horses named Efficient, Septimus, Zagreb, Tuesday Joy and Weekend Hussler – all of which are favored in the Melbourne Cup Odds as of this Sunday. Last year’s Cup winner was Efficient – an aptly named five year old, as Efficient was also the first horse to win the Derby and Cup since Phar Lap.

As contenders continue the race to the Melbourne Cup, other Melbourne Cup Betting favorites, like Weekend Hussler appear to be in line for a victory in the running of the Caulfield Cup in October. Lloyd Williams – the owner of Efficient – has even recognized Weekend Hussler as the favorite and is debating whether to run another of his horses – Zipping:

Only bad luck can beat him (Weekend Hussler) in that so I can’t see any purpose in running Zipping. He would need to have a head start in the race to beat Weekend Hussler.

Zipping is not showing well in the latest 2008 Melbourne Cup odds. However, Weekend Hussler will compete with Efficient, who tops the odds in October. After which the Melbourne Cup might be the next run for Efficient – it seems Williams has not determined whether his title holder will run again before the cup.

Septimus is another high profile horse with a well regarded trainer – Aidan O’Brien. O’Brien’s Bet on Melbourne Cup would be Septimus and the odds are reflecting his confidence with Septimus following closely behind Efficient. Behind Efficient and Septimus – where the odds begin to get tighter – are Zagreb, Tuesday Joy and Weekend Hussler.