Winners All Round as Favourite Takes Cup

PUNTERS were out in force – and style – as Melbourne Cup fever hit Ipswich yesterday.

And the result couldn’t have been better for Ipswich race fans as the hot favourite Fiorente,

ridden by three-time winning jockey Damien Oliver, stormed home at Flemington.

Loud cheers erupted around friends Aislinn Dwyer and Jessica McGill inside the Char’d restaurant as the number six horse charged past the post, securing a first Melbourne Cup victory for legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse.

“I had a feeling,” an ecstatic Ms Dwyer said. “My uncle’s mother said number six and I had a weird feeling for Fiorente.

“She had me saying six all day and I thought I’ve got to win.”

Nigel Bates was thrilled with his small win, saying he always backed a Gai Waterhouse horse.

“I went with the favourite, but I’m a huge Gai Waterhouse fan,” he said. The PA Hotel was awash with colour for the fashions on the field event, but it was Sheree Thorton, of Bundamba, who took out the style stakes with her eye-catching lime and black number.

Metro Hotel Ipswich International was the next best thing to being trackside at Flemington, with party-goers enjoying a picnic-themed luncheon and all the action on the big screen.

Melbourne Cup: Fiorente, Verema Meet Strong Support of Call of the Card

 

Fiorente's hold on Melbourne Cup favouritism was secured after meeting with strong support at Monday's traditional call of the card.

One punter placed $50,000 on Fiorente at $7.50, and other bets on the Gai Waterhouse-trained runner saw him shorten into $7.

Waterhouse's son Tom tried to back the horse to win $1 million but he was knocked backed by bookmakers, while a separate attempt by a punter to win $400,000 was limited to $100,000.

Australian racing's first lady is also saddling up Tres Blue in the Cup, but there was limited interest for him at $21.

Two-time Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver says he couldn't be happier with his booking for Fiorente.

"He just does everything you ask of him and he has trained on well since the Cox Plate," Oliver told RSN Racing and Sport Radio.

"When you ask him to quicken he's got great acceleration and he relaxes well in his races, so he's just got the perfect attitude for a Melbourne Cup horse.

"It's got a lot of depth this field this year ... up to half the field have got strong winning chances, but I've got a lot of respect for the imported horses and for Lloyd Williams's horses as well."

Verema, meanwhile, also came in for solid support at the call of the card, including one $7,500 bet each way at $15.

There continues to be steady money for the French mare, whose trainer Alain de Royer Dupre rated her as good as his 2010 winner Americain.

She is drawn inside in barrier three, which poses a minor concern for de Royer Dupre.

"We are only careful because she is a filly with a very long action and if you have no pace there could a problem," he said.

"She is a similar horse to Americain, but I think the level of competition is going up every year and the competition is very tough."

There were moves at longer odds for Ibicenco, who was backed to win $500,000 at odds of $101, forcing his price into $61, and Ethiopia was supported at $91 to win more than $250,000.

One bet to win $100,000 was placed on Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner, while runner-up to him Dandino ($14), as well as Irish runner Simenon ($18), also had some support.

Mount Athos remains the second favourite at $11 despite drifting slightly since Saturday's barrier draw.

An unlucky fifth last year, Mount Athos had been supported into favouritism in some markets last week on the back of strong trackwork.

But drawing barrier 22 saw him attract measured interest at the call of the card, except one bet written for him to win $200,000.

There was a handful of smaller bets on Metropolitan winner Seville ($18), but punters seemed disinterested in the defeated Caulfield Cup favourite Hawkspur at $16.

The outsider for the Cup remains Sydney Cup winner Mourayan at $151.

The final call of the card prices were:

1. Dunaden $41
2. Green Moon $41
3. Red Cadeaux $81
4. Sea Moon $15
5. Brown Panther $19
6. Fiorente $7
7. Foreteller $31
8. Dandino $12
9. Ethiopia $91
10. Fawkner $17
11. Mourayan $151
12. Seville $18
13. Super Cool $61
14. Masked Marvel $36
15. Mount Athos $11
16. Royal Empire $21
17. Voleuse De Coeurs $17
18. Hawkspur $16
19. Simenon $18
20. Ibicenco $61
21. Verema $15
22. Dear Demi $21
23. Tres Blue $24
24. Ruscello $71

 

Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival at Aspire Hotel ~ Nov 5th 2013

Great Rates at Metro Apartments Bank Place for Melbourne Cup Carnival

Great Rates at Metro Apartments Bank Place for Melbourne Cup Carnival

The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival is just around the corner, and Metro Apartments Bank Place in inner Melbourne is offering boutique apartment accommodation for the duration of the Carnival from just $185.00 (room only).  

Demand for accommodation in Melbourne during this period is high, so visitors to the city are advised to book now to avoid disappointment.

A minimum two night stay applies to Derby Day on Saturday 2 November and Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 5th November, and WIFI is complimentary for the duration of the Carnival period – November 2 - 9, 2013.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down an atmospheric cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping. 

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino. Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram. 

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

View Metro Apartments on Bank Place

View this Press Release and more and Metro Hotels News

2013 Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Attend the 2013 Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International – the best venue in Ipswich to enjoy the race that stops the country!

$75.00 per person

Complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival

• Raffles & Sweepstakes

• Watch the race live on the Big Screen

• Fashions on the Field Competition

Location: 43 South Street (Cnr Foote Lane) Ipswich Qld 4305

- Cash bar facilities will be available on the day -

BOOK TODAY: Kimberley (07) 3812 – 8077

Or email: EventsIpswich@MetroHG.com

www.MetroHotels.com.au

See below for menu:

Fashions on the Field Competition

9 Interesting Facts About Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's premier horse race, established since 1861 and held every year on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. Marketed as "the race that stops a nation", it has become a national tradition in Australia.

9 Interesting Facts About Melbourne Cup 

Peter St. Albans

1. The youngest jockey to win Melbourne Cup was Peter St. Albans on Briseis in 1876 - who was only 12 years old!





2. In 1915, the first woman owner to win was Mrs E.A. Widdis with Patrobas. First female jockey to ride in the cup was Maree Lyndon on Argonaut Style in 1987.

3. During WWII between 1942 and 1944, the race day was changed to Saturdays.

Jean Shrimpton 1965

4. Fashion on the Field begun in 1962 to attract more women attendees to the cup. British supermodel Jean Shrimpton made headlines in Australia and around the world when she rocked up to Melbourne Cup in 1965 in a sleeveless dress with a hemline four inches above the knee and a man's watch - which shocked race goers and caused a fashion furore worldwide.



5. In 1861, the winner of Melbourne Cup - a horse named Archer - walked all the way to Melbourne from his stables in Nowra, NSW!

6. Criminals tried to shoot Phar Lap on the morning of Saturday 1 November 1930 after he had finished track work. Luckily for Phar Lap, they missed.

7. Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Ivan Kempson and Dermot Henry, found that Phar Lap had ingested a massive dose of arsenic 30-40 hours before his death, adding to the speculation that the champion horse was poisoned to death by gangsters.

Phar Lap

8. When trainer Harry Telford and owner David J. Davis saw Phar Lap for the first time, the horse was gangly, face covered with warts, and had an awkward gait. Davis was furious when he saw the colt, and refused to pay to train the horse. Telford at the time had not been a successful trainer, and Davis was one of his few remaining owners. As a compromise for the poor form of the colt, Telford agreed to train the horse for free, in exchange for a two-thirds share of any winnings.


9. The only horse to have won three Melbourne Cups - consecutively in a row - is Makybe Diva.


To celebrate this year's Melbourne Cup race day, Metro Apartments on Bank Place Melbourne is having this special for travelers coming to stay for the race!

Melbourne Cup Accommodation Packages - Choose either a...

Studio Room for $250.00 per room, per night (including free Wi-Fi)
OR
One Bedroom Apartments at:

• Friday - Saturday* - $300.00 per room, per night  (including free Wi-Fi)
• Sunday - $280.00 per room, per night                   (including free Wi-Fi)
• Monday - Tuesday*  $300.00 per room, per night (including free Wi-Fi)

For details and to book online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/320
Or call: +61 3 9604 4321
Location: 18 Bank Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia - only 14 minutes by car or taxi to the Flemington Racecourse!

Ipswich Events: Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

IPSWICH was party central on Melbourne Cup day yesterday, with the city's major venues turning on a day to remember for race fans.

The reaction of North Booval's Tracey Mullin in Brothers Leagues Club was a giveaway that she had won big on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. How much she won was a morsel of information Ms Mullin wasn't prepared to share.

Enjoying the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International are (from left) Katrina Johnson, of Deebing Heights, Alex Mackey, of Burbank, and Emily Wonka.

"I won last year fairly big and someone stole the money from me, so I'm going to keep how much I won to myself," she grinned.

"It is the only time of the year that I bet. The dresses are fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is here for a good time.

"I've had a ball ... great company and great food."

Ms Mullin said she sensed there was less money being bet by patrons this year.

"I think people are betting less this year. They are a bit more conservative this year and maybe a bit unsure," she said.

Friends Virginia Fenwick and Duane Cleary were both also celebrating cup wins on Dunaden at Brothers Leagues Club when the QT visited.

Mr Cleary was celebrating a 100% record for the day.

"I only bought one ticket ... and I won," he said.

"Now we'll go and see how much I've won. It is all about having a bit of fun."

Ms Fenwick said she didn't have time to study the form but liked the look of number three (Dunaden).

With a few tickets in her hand it looked as though she was set for a few more handy wins on a day she had marked down on the calendar.

"Melbourne Cup, everyone stops for it. I'm having a great day," she said.

Dunaden's jockey, Christophe Lemaire, had arrived in Australia 24 hours before the race after Craig Williams lost an appeal to keep the ride.

He shed tears when judges told him the verdict.

"It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," Lemaire said.

"I was a bit anxious. I knew it was very close.

"I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine."

Dunaden edged out England's Red Cadeaux by the smallest margin in the $6.2 million race.

It was the closest finish in the 151-year history of the race, with German horse Lucas Cranach completing an international trifecta. Americain, the 2010 winner, started favourite and finished fourth.

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Paradiso Cafe Sydney: Melbourne Cup Luncheon - Paradiso Café

With less than a week away from the Melbourne Cup and Paradiso Café have a great offer in place for the event when you book your Melbourne Cup Lunch at Paradiso Café.

Bookings essential, please call (02) 9264 4111

Paradiso Cafe Sydney: Melbourne Cup Luncheon - Paradiso Café

Glam Up For Cup - Metro Hotel Ipswich International Melbourne Cup Fashion Glipse

THE Metro Hotel Ipswich International might be two states away from Flemington Racecourse but that won't stop them dressing for the occasion.

As part of the Metro's annual Melbourne Cup celebrations, the hotel will be running a fashion parade with clothes from Ipswich store House of Amy.

The event, which is already sold out, will be raising money for the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.

Metro Hotel guest relations manager Fran Edney said the hotel's Melbourne Cup lunch was becoming a tradition for some locals.

"This is the third year we've held it and the second we've sold out, but this time we've sold out much earlier than before," she said.

"People just love it though.

"It always gets a really good rap."

While this year's event won't have the popular guinea pig races of last year, Ms Edney promised some other entertainment that was still under wraps.

"We'll have some great entertainment, not everything has been decided yet but there are some big plans."

Even though fashion parades have always been part of the Metro's Melbourne Cup festivities, this is the first year they've showed off the clothes of House of Amy.

"I went in there and just fell in love with everything," Ms Edney said.

House of Amy owner Amy Winks is an award-winning designer and studied in Paris on a scholarship from the Australian Student Awards.

The parade will be showing some of the store's latest fashions, including '60s-inspired skirts, tassels and the many hats and fascinators stocked.

The festivities will kick off at noon and run until 3pm on Tuesday November 1.

The Metro Hotel Ipswich International is far from the only venue hosting an event, with celebrations occurring throughout Ipswich.

The Ipswich RSL Services Club will be hosting a smorgasbord along with food and entertainment, while Brothers Leagues Club will be hosting a luncheon with prizes and entertainment as will the Ipswich Golf Club.

The Ipswich Turf Club will host a gourmet buffet with big screens to watch the race, while Jets Leagues Club will host a burlesque show along with a multi-course meal.

Glory of the Cup

- With a prize packet of $6 million, the Melbourne Cup is one of the richest horse races in the world.
- Last year Americain became the first French-trained horse to win the Cup in the race's 150th year.
- Despite an influx of foreign trained horses, Australian trained horses have won five of the past 10 Cups, with Makybe Diva winning three straight.

When The Cup is Over Come and See if The Slipper Fits: Sydney Carnival April 2012

Following the conclusion of the Spring Racing Carnival the racing spotlight firmly turns to Sydney as anticipation builds in the lead up to the 2012 Sydney Carnival featuring the AAMI Golden Slipper to be held on the first Saturday in April.

As the sporting, entertainment, fashion and social hub of Sydney's autumn, the Sydney Carnival promises an unrivalled racing program featuring time-honoured racing classics across four fabulous Saturdays - AAMI Golden Slipper Day, David Jones Australian Derby Day, Doncaster Day and Schweppes Sydney Cup Day.

Tickets go on sale for all four events via - www.thesydneycarnival.com.au - tomorrow, Tuesday 25 October. General admission tickets are $A40 however 'early-bird' purchasers receive a $10 discount per ticket.

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Peter V'landys, said Sydney Carnival is a stand out event for its racing and entertainment and encourages everyone to come and experience the thrill of it.

"Sydney Carnival is a highly prestigious event held in one of the world's greatest locations. It is at the heart of the thoroughbred racing and NSW events calendars and April is a wonderful time of year in Sydney to enjoy it," said Mr V'landys.

"The Carnival provides a truly thrilling experience on and off the track whether your focus is the running of world's richest race for two-year-olds on AAMI Golden Slipper Day or the glamour of the 151st AJC Australian Derby."

"Sydney Carnival is well supported locally and through our partnership with Destination NSW we're looking forward to welcoming a growing interstate and international crowd in 2012 with our flagship event, the AAMI Golden Slipper held on the Easter holiday weekend," he said.

Australian Turf Club CEO Darren Pearce added, "We are looking forward to another fabulous Sydney Carnival in 2012 and our partnership goes from strength to strength. I encourage racegoers to book early, especially for events at Royal Randwick, which will have reduced capacity through the Carnival due to our world class Grandstand redevelopment."

The Sydney Carnival is staged by the Australian Turf Club and has been created through a partnership between Racing NSW, Australian Turf Club, Destination NSW, Inglis and Tabcorp.

Sydney Carnival events include:

Saturday 7 April 2012 - AAMI Golden Slipper Day (Easter Saturday)

Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney

AAMI Golden Slipper Day is Sydney's racing event of the year, featuring the world's richest race for two-year-olds, the AAMI Golden Slipper ($3.5 million; 1200m2YO). It's all about style, speed and prestige as the best young thoroughbreds in Australia and New Zealand battle it out for a slice of the richest day of racing on the Australian calendar which also features the classic weight for age championship The BMW ($2.25 million; 2400m; weight-for-age) among five revered Group 1 races.

Saturday 14 April 2012 - David Jones Australian Derby Day

Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

See racing and fashion at its finest at the time honoured, celebrity filled David Jones Australian Derby Day at Royal Randwick. The racing features the 151st running of the $1.5 million AJC Australian Derby. It is also Sydney's trackside social event of the year where the glamorous Fashions on the Field Competition sets the standard for Autumn Racing fashion.

Saturday 21 April 2012 - Doncaster Day

Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

Traditionally a punters' day, racegoers are guaranteed an exceptional blockbuster day that features The Doncaster, over the classic mile ($2 million; 1600m) and the AJC Oaks ($550,000; 2400m).

Saturday 28 April 2012 - Schweppes Sydney Cup Day

Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney

It's time to party at the Sydney Carnival finale. Experience top class racing including the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Schweppes Sydney Cup offering a combined $2.3 million in prize money. The day is one for young and old, featuring vibrant trackside entertainment in a more relaxed atmosphere making it a perfect day to enjoy with friends or the whole family.

Due to the venue redevelopment at Royal Randwick tickets are strictly limited for David Jones Australian Derby Day, Doncaster Day and Schweppes Sydney Cup Day. A sell-out is expected and early booking is highly recommended.

For information and to book visit - www.thesydneycarnival.com.au

To follow Sydney Carnival via social media visit:

www.facebook.com/sydneycarnival

www.twitter.com/sydney_carnival

(Source: Travmedia.com)

What's On Ipswich: Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Where better to see the latest fashions for the track then at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International on Melbourne Cup day fashion parade by The House of Amy Ipswich.

Be charmed by key trends hitting our racetracks this Spring.

How better to describe classic and quality than the word LACE. Antique style lace returns in all its glamour and will be a prominent feature through Spring 2011 and Winter 2012. Traditional needle or bobbin lace stealing the limelight, wider nets, unique patters and sturdy fabrics are featured in skirts, dresses, tops. Shapes are simple and elegant.

The 60’s lady – Miss Dior silhouettes are still a strong focus this season. Fuller skirts, long midi length pencil skirts that taper to the calf. Forget the mod 60’s we are not doing miniskirts and tiny shift dresses. This look is elegant. Bright fresh colours and pastels, prints such as floral and stripes that are bold and fruity will be seen. The House of Amy has already ordered ranges for next year’s Ipswich Cup and we have this look covered!

Luxury Trims Return – The Tassel

Tassels have been used throughout history as symbols of status from military to religious, from personal adornment to furnishings. 17^th century France had a boom industry in manufacturing handmade tassels representing wealth, power and opulence.

Our global instability has awakened a desire for small luxuries, and our appreciation for craftsmanship and quality has matured. We see luxury as craftsmanship a perfect adornment such as the tassel or antique inspired lace is a statement. The connotation of opulence in good taste. Quality is key when it comes to the tassel, an understated sense of luxury and authenticity. Tassels will be seen adorning handbags, shoes, belts, hats and garments and will be in a range of materials from rope to silk, beads to leather.

Pleats are Back and Here to Stay..

The most dominant pleats are knife pleats which are single pleats that all go in the same direction, and sunray pleats which are knife pleats that are cut to start smaller and get wider flaring to the hem.

Pleats will be prominent in sheer lightweight fabrics that are flowing and ethereal. Fabrics such as sheer crepes and silk tulles are hot. Lengths in dresses and skirts vary and you will see pleats in 70’s revival maxi skirts and dresses through to the 1920’s flapper look.

Classic Black and White…Always a favourite

Different combinations will be seen! All black, all white, spots, stripes, black on white, white on black…always a winner.

Spring has seen a burst of colour with reds, oranges and green prominate. Colour blocking will be popular trackside with clever matching of solid colour in outfits. You will see red and orange together, blue and green together, and purple and yellow. This is a strong statement look with styles very minimalist in cut.

Fascinators and Hats

The most important adornment for a trackside woman. Choose a colour that compliments your outfit and doesn’t overpower the total finished look. If choosing a plain black fascinator or hat add a few extra feathers or ribbon in a colour that is featured in your outfit, it is important that your headwear ties back with your outfit to achieve a polished finished look.

The House of Amy is showcasing exclusively to the Ipswich International Hotels Melbourne Cup Day ranges that will be in store for Next years Ipswich Cup. Labels will include Lemonade on the Lawn, Ruby Valentine, Studibaker and Darling. These ranges are not even in production yet and will be instore Feb, March 2012. We will also be showcasing a designer range of Millenery by local milln

What's On Ipswich: Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International the place to be on Melbourne Cup Day - Metro Hotels

It’s time to dust off the stilettos, brush off your best frocks and suits and spruce up your favourite hat because the race that stops a nation is not far away and Metro Hotel Ipswich International is the perfect place to try your luck on race day.

Celebrating 170 years of races, the 2011 Melbourne Cup runners will bound out of their starting gates at 3pm on Tuesday 1 November – the moment when every true blue Aussie will be fixed to a screen watching as some of the world’s finest horse flesh competes to win the country’s most coveted racing title. And you can be part of the action, watching it all on a super-sized screen along with a host of other party-goers at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Once again, the hotel is hosting Ipswich’s most memorable race day function, with the celebrations kicking off at midday and continuing until the conclusion of the race, shortly after 3pm. In the lead-up to the race, you will enjoy a superb buffet lunch, a selection of beverages (including beer, house wine and soft drink), Sweepstakes, raffles, lucky door prizes and, of course, prizes for the best hat and best dressed guest.

Priced at just $65 per person, the event will be held in support of the Ipswich Hospital Foundation (Sunshine Circle Appeal).

Hotel General Manager Alex van Kersen said the Melbourne Cup provides a wonderful opportunity to organise a group of friends or work colleagues, to dress up and to celebrate a fabulous occasion, while also helping to raise money for a worthy local cause.

“The great thing about the Melbourne Cup is you don’t have to know a thing about horseracing to enjoy yourself,” Alex said. “It’s just a great excuse to have some fun with friends, to maybe have a punt on which of the horses you think will win or take your luck with the Sweepstakes.

“Metro Hotel Ipswich International has become a popular venue for Melbourne Cup Day because we make sure everyone enjoys themselves, that they get great value for money, and that all our guests get into the true spirit of race day.”

Rated four and a half stars, Metro Hotel Ipswich International has 97 rooms and seven function rooms. The Melbourne Cup Luncheon is sure to be a celebration to remember, so put together a table and contact the hotel directly on (07) 3812 8077 or email eventsipswich@metrohg.com. Corporate and group bookings welcome.

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

Metro Hotel Ipswich International the place to be on Melbourne Cup Day - Metro Hotels

The Melbourne Cup at Yardhouse Sydney 2011

Join us this Melbourne Cup for a great afternoon of entertainment, food, fashion and prizes at the Yardhouse Bar and Brasserie.

1st November 2011

Melbourne Cup Luncheon $40 per person. Champagne on arrival.

• Yardhouse Sydney
• Phone: 02 9212 2111
• Fax: 02 9212 2592
• Corner George Street & Hay Street, Haymarket/ 2000

www.Yardhouse.com.au

I Admit it, I've Got a Melbourne Cup Addiction

IT feels like only yesterday that I came to my first Melbourne Cup and that was five years ago in 2006.

It has now become such a regular fixture of my year that I couldn't imagine not coming.

In fact it has become the highlight of my year.

Like a lot of Europeans, I had not realised quite what a huge event the Melbourne Cup was until I came the first time and, as you can tell, I have become a bit addicted, as has my whole family.

After two close seconds in the race with Purple Moon and Bauer, we have become more and more determined to win, and with a four-strong team this year, we are giving ourselves the best chance possible.

The evergreen Bauer is defying age and injury and is out to win a second Geelong Cup on Wednesday to secure a place in the Melbourne Cup.

Manighar and Drunken Sailor are going the Caulfield Cup route and Chilean newcomer Sahara Sun goes for the Bendigo Cup on Wednesday week after showing us in the Caulfield Stakes that he needs the 2400m and a galloping track.

With a record four internationals confirmed to run in Saturday's Caulfield Cup and 14 internationals entered in the Melbourne Cup, it seems we are not alone in our quest for the richest handicap prize in the world.

Of the main hopefuls for the Melbourne Cup, most are either international horses or locally trained imports such as Lucas Cranach, Midas Touch and December Draw.

The first two were top-class performers in Europe, but December Draw has been a revelation since he joined Mark Kavanagh's stable at Flemington.

Mark told me for a Herald Sun video interview I did with him yesterday that the horse was bought to win a Wagga Cup, not a Melbourne or Caulfield Cup.

Bauer is a case in point of how an international horse can come to Australia with moderate form and really improve. He went so close to winning a Melbourne Cup.

You look at Bauer and some of the others Aidan O'Brien has brought across and the results have been surprising, but your Cups are handicaps and some horses adjust better down here than others.

I had to laugh during yesterday's interview with Mark at his response when I asked what he thought had been the key to December Draw's improvement.

"A really nice carrot and some reindeer juice," he said.

He can afford to laugh because Mark has turned December Draw into a perfectly legitimate Caulfield Cup favourite.

• Francesca Cumani
• From: Herald Sun

This Year's Melbourne Cup - The International Influence

THIS year's Melbourne Cup will have an international influence like never before with more than half the 24-horse field likely to be overseastrained or raced horses.

Officials are predicting the international numbers for the $6.2 million race on November 1 are likely to be in "double digits". When factoring in the fully-qualified former overseas horses now trained in Australia and bought for the Cup, it seems certain there will be a record low number of local contenders.

At the release of weights last week, only seven Australian-bred stayers were estimated to be weighted high enough to make it into the field. While others can make it through qualifying races, only Absolutely (at five kilograms under the benchmark

weight), Dreamaway (5.5kg), Playing God (5.5kg), Once Were Wild (5.5kg), Alcopop (6kg) , linton (6kg) and Trusting (6.5kg) were the Austi'alianbreds with the right credentials.

As many as 16 hopefuls are in quarantine. The first plane-load has arrived last week while the second wave should arrive on October 15.

Highly rated hopefuls such as December Draw, Glass Harmonium, My Kingdom Of Fife, Hawk Island, and Lloyd WIlliams's team including Midas Touch and Mourayan, as well as the US horse Unusual Suspect, are recent arrivals to Australia after beginning their careers elsewhere.

The Godolphin stable will decide soon if Cavalryman (55kg) and Lost In The Moment (53kg) make the trip.

Her Majesty The Queen to attend the 2011 Melbourne Cup?

The latest royal news doing the rounds is that it is a distinct possibility that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II may attend the 2011 Melbourne Cup.

The Queen, a renowned lover of thoroughbred racing, was widely expected to be the guest of honour last year at the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup this year.

In 2011, the Queen is expected to be present at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth. CHOGM is a biennial forum for government leaders from Commonwealth nations.

The Queen is yet to miss a CHOGM since they were first held in 1971, and Defence Minister Steven Smith says that she is likely to be in attendance.

The summit is to be held in Perth from October 28-30.

The 2011 Melbourne Cup is to be held just two days later on November 1. The Queen is believed to be keen to visit the Melbourne Cup at least once. She is a keen follower of racing and is a prolific owner in England.

In 1997, her horse Arabian Story contested the Melbourne Cup – the grey finishing 6th to Might and Power.

While royal visits are not uncommon – Prince Charles and Princess Diana attended the 1985 Melbourne Cup, while the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson was present in 1990 – a visit by the monarch would represent another chapter in the great history of the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup Accommodation Package @ Metro Apartments on Bank Place - Metro Hotels

Metro apartments on Bank place is offering this Melbourne Cup Accommodation Package for $210.00* per night including:

Bottle of Sparkling Wine on arrival
Daily breakfast
Bathrobes
Late check-out of 12 noon

Melbourne Cup Accommodation Package @ Metro Apartments on Bank Place - Metro Hotels

Melbourne Cup – the Race That Fills a City - Metro Hotels

They call it "the race that stops a nation" but for the hotel industry, it is also a race that fills a city!

The famed Melbourne Cup horse race held on the first Tuesday of November every year, is one sporting event that is proving to be a consistent winner with Melbourne hotels and accommodation providers.

"The Melbourne Cup never fails to see our Metro Apartments operate at 100 percent occupancy for up to four days over the race meet." explains Mr. George Bedwani, COO of Metro Hotels and an avid follower of horse racing.

According to Mr Bedwani, the Melbourne Cup has maintained its popularity with the sporting public year after year while other major annual events in Melbourne fluctuate in popularity and the impact they have on the city's hotels.

"We have found that the Australian Open Tennis is only very popular if there is an Australian who does really well or if the top seeds are playing it out in the final," he said. "This years final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic just didn't have the pulling power despite the quality of the two players."

The same applies for the AFL Grand Final, according to Mr Bedwani. "When there is one or two interstate teams involved in the Grand Final then our occupancies and demand for accommodation soar."

While the 2010 Grand Final (both of them) between Collingwood and St Kilda were great spectacles to watch, they didn't generate the same demand for accommodation from interstate or regional Victorian visitors coming to watch.

"And that's where the Melbourne Cup is different," says Mr Bedwani. "It is not just a sporting event but a complete day out - a real social occasion." he continues.

Metro Hotels manages a boutique serviced apartment, the Metro Apartments on Bank Place located in the "New York" precinct of Melbourne CBD.

The Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers 55 studio, one and two bedroom apartments along with a small number of hotel rooms. The location of the apartments make it the ideal base for both corporate and leisure travelers visiting Melbourne.

READ ON at Metro Hotels News:

Melbourne Cup – the Race That Fills a City - Metro Hotels

Americain to defend his Melbourne Cup crown

It may be more than eight months away, but the 2011 Melbourne Cup has already had its first boost with confirmation that last year’s winner Americain will return to contest the race.
The French-trained, American-bred, Australian-owned galloper couldn’t have been more impressive when he surged past Maluckyday and So You Think to win the Melbourne Cup by a widening two and three quarter lengths.

Part owner Gerry Ryan told the Herald Sun that plans for the galloper were  to be confirmed this week.
Last year, Americain won four straight races in France before coming across for wins in the Geelong Cup and Melbourne Cup.

It is likely that trainer Alain de Royer Dupre will follow a similar path, with four runs in France before coming out for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

Alternatively, he could run in one of the world’s greatest races, the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (2400m), but strict quarantine measures may mean that it is impossible.
Ryan is excited about the prospects of back to back Cup wins.

“Apparently he looks a million dollars, so here we come again,” Ryan told the Herald Sun.
“We’ve got the taste for it now.”

The Melbourne Cup will be run on November 1 this year.

Melbourne Cup accommodation available at Metro Apartments on Bank Place