Metro Hotels Australia Website

Monday, November 4, 2013

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
 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

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


Wednesday, September 11, 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.



Sunday, September 8, 2013

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



See below for menu:


Fashions on the Field Competition




Tuesday, August 20, 2013

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!



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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