MELBOURNE CUP (3200m)

FLEMINGTON, TUESDAY 3pm Group 1 (3200m)

1 SNOW SKY (GB) Sir M Stoute R Moore (16) 58kg
2 CRITERION (NZ) D Hayes & T Dabernig M Walker (4) 57.5kg
3 FAME GAME (JPN) Y Munakata Z Purton (12) 57kg
4 OUR IVANHOWE (GER) L & A Freedman B Melham (22) 56kg
5 BIG ORANGE (GB) M Bell J Spencer (23) 55.5kg
6 HARTNELL (GB) J O’Shea J McDonald (17) 55.5kg
7 HOKKO BRAVE (JPN) Y Matsunaga C Williams (20) 55.5kg
8 MAX DYNAMITE (FR) W Mullins F Dettori (2) 55kg
9 RED CADEAUX (GB) E Dunlop G Mosse (8) 55kg
10 TRIP TO PARIS (IRE) E Dunlop T Berry (14) 55kg
11 WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (NZ) C Waller B Shinn (6) 54.5kg
12 SKY HUNTER (GB) S Bin Suroor W Buick (7) 54kg
13 THE OFFER (IRE) G Waterhouse D Oliver (13) 54kg
14 GRAND MARSHAL (GB) C Waller J Cassidy (15) 53.5kg
15 PREFERMENT (NZ) C Waller H Bowman (11) 53.5kg
16 QUEST FOR MORE (IRE) R Charlton D Lane (21) 53.5kg
17 ALMOONQITH (USA) D Hayes & T Dabernig D Dunn (10) 53kg
18 KINGFISHER (IRE) A O’Brien C O’Donoghue (9) 53kg
19 PRINCE OF PENZANCE (NZ) D Weir Ms M Payne (1) 53kg
20 BONDI BEACH (IRE) A O’Brien B Prebble (18) 52.5kg
21 SERTORIUS J Edwards C Newitt (5) 52.5kg
22 THE UNITED STATES (IRE) R Hickmott J Moreira (3) 52.5kg
23 EXCESS KNOWLEDGE (GB) G Waterhouse K McEvoy (24) 51kg
24 GUST OF WIND (NZ) J Sargent C Schofield (19) 51kg

BETTING: TAB FIXED ODDS
ANALYSIS: THE LEAD-UP RACES
THE VERDICT: LIKES AND DISLIKES
QUIZ/INTERACTIVE: CUP CONUNDRUM MADE EASY
SPRING RACING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FUNNY SIDE: BOO BAILEY’S A-Z OF THE CUP

1. SNOW SKY — 58kg

England

Jockey: Ryan Moore Barrier: (16)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute

Career: 15: 5-2-2. Prizemoney: $919,932

Breeding: Nayef-Winter Silence

5YO bay horse

Biggest win: 2015 Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) at Royal Ascot.

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2816-1609m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $41 Opening price: $21 Best price: $26

FORM: Accounted for Brown Panther winning the G2 Yorkshire Cup (2816m) then won the G2 Hardwicke Stks 2414m (beating Postponed and Red Cadeaux) at Ascot before beating one home in 7 len 6th of 7 (3) $4.00 (60.5) Postponed 2414m G B — Ascot G1 King & Queen Slow July 25. Was disappointed for a run before finishing 4-3/4 len 5th of 18 (3) $9 (58.0) Mongolian Khan 2400m G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: On-pace English stayer who impressed in his Australian debut in the Caulfield Cup. Took up a good position, was left a little flat-footed when the sprint went on but also missed a run so effort to finish fifth was sound. Won the Hardwicke Stakes easily at Royal Ascot. Should run a great race.

2. CRITERION — 57.5kg

Jockey: Michael Walker Barrier: (4)

Trainer: David Hayes and Tom Dabernig

Career: 31:7-7-5. Prizemoney: $6,743,869

Breeding: Sebring-Mica’s Pride

5YO chestnut horse

Biggest win: 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 4:0-1-0 Win range: 2400-1100m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $15 Opening price: $35 Best price: $61

FORM: Fresh from two starts in England when finished hard to score 1/2 len win of 8 (7) $7.50 (59.0) Happy Trails, Mongolian Khan 2000m C’field G1 Caulfield Stks Good (3) Oct. 10. No match for the winner when 4-3/4 len 2nd of 14 (7) $6.00 (59.0) Winx 2040m M Valley G1 W.S Cox Plate Good (3) Oct. 24.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Tough as nails but also has more than a touch of class. Top effort to pick himself up after being flattened on the point of the turn to finish second in the Cox Plate finishing on resolutely. ATC Derby winner over 2400m. First attempt at 3200m which is the query.

3. FAME GAME — 57kg

Japan

Jockey: Zac Purton Barrier: (12)

Trainer: Yoshitada Munakata

Career: 17: 5-1-1. Prizemoney: $2,873,484

Breeding: Heart’s Cry-Hall Of Fame

6YO brown horse

Biggest win: 2014 Group 2 Copa Republica (2500m) at Tokyo

Distance: 2:0-1-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 3400-2000m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $4.20 Opening price: $26 Best price: $26

FORM: Just missed when nk 2nd of 17 (14) $22.60 (58.0) Gold Ship 3200m Jap — Kyoto G1 Tenno Sho Good May 3. Caught the eye late when 4-3/4 len 6th of 18 (1) $10.00 (57.0) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Japanese star who turned in the best Melbourne Cup trial in the Caulfield Cup. Shuffled out to last and charged home despite not having a lot of galloping room. Stewards queried the ride. Two starts ago he finished second to local superstar Gold Ship in one of Japan’s biggest races over 3200m. Has won over 3400m. The one to beat.

4. OUR IVANHOWE — 56kg

Jockey: Ben Melham Barrier: (22)

Trainer: Lee & Anthony Freedman

Career: 14: 5-2-1. Prizemoney: $786,973

Breeding: Soldier Hollow-Indigo Girl

6YO bay horse

Biggest win: Group 1 Von Bayern (2400m) in Munich

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2400-2200m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $21 Opening price: $21 Best price: $26

FORM: Stuck to his guns when 1-1/4 len 2nd of 16 (1) $9.00 (60.0) Let’s Make Adeal 2520m F’ton G3 Bart Cummings Good (3) Oct. 4. Toughed it out when 1/2 len, 1-1/4 len 3rd of 18 (13) $26.00 (56.0) Mongolian Khan, Trip To Paris 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Dual German Group 1 winner really finding his form in Australia. Took the race up to Mongolian Khan in the straight in the Caulfield Cup but just tired in the closing stages. Trainer has prepared five Melbourne Cup winners and will have him ready to peak on the day.

5. BIG ORANGE — 55.5kg

England

Jockey: James Spencer Barrier: (23)

Trainer: Michael Bell

Career: 13:5-1-0. Prizemoney: $549,822

Breeding: Duke Of Marmalade-Miss Brown To You

5YO bay gelding

Biggest win:2015 Group 2 Goodwood Cup (3200m), downing Quest For More and Trip To Paris.

Distance: 3:1-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 3219-2012m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $41 Opening price: $51 Best price: $51

FORM: Outstayed rivals to score nk win of 11 (1) $7.00 (61.0) Quest For More, Trip To Paris 3219m G B — Goodwood G2 Goodwood Cup Good July 30. Safely held when 14-1/4 len 7th of 8 (6) $5.50 (58.5) Max Dynamite 3299m G B — York G2 Lonsdale Cup Dead Aug. 21.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Fast running lightly raced English stayer who has a good strike rate. Put together back to back Group 2 wins in strong races at Newmarket and Goodwood. In the Goodwood Cup he relegated Caulfield Cup runner-up Trip To Paris to third. Big chance.

6. HARTNELL — 55.5kg

Jockey: James McDonald Barrier: (17)

Trainer: John O’Shea (Godolphin)

Career: 20: 7-4-1. Prizemoney: $1,595,499

Breeding: Authorized-Debonnaire

5YO bay gelding

Biggest win: Group 1 The BMW (2400m/WFA) at Rosehill in March.

Distance: 2:1-0-0 Track: 1:0-0-0 Win range: 3219-1609m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $31 Opening price: $26 Best price: $26

FORM: Blew the start when 1-1/2 len 6th of 15 (13) $5.50 (57.5) Preferment 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good (3) Oct. 4. Was inconvenienced near the 600m before finishing 101/2 len 5th of 14 (3) $16.00 (59.0) Winx 2040m M Valley G1 W.S. Cox Plate Good (3) Oct. 24.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Stuck to his task in the Cox Plate in the manner of a horse screaming out for more ground after good Turnbull Stakes run. English import who won The BMW last autumn at Rosehill before failing as odds on favourite in the Sydney Cup. Respect.

7. HOKKO BRAVE — 55.5kg

Japan

Jockey: Craig Williams Barrier: (20)

Trainer: Yasutoshi Matsunaga

Career: 30: 5-5-6. Prizemoney: $1,896,169

Marvellous Sunday-Hokko Memory

8YO bay horse

Biggest win: 2013 October Stakes (2400m) at Tokyo

Distance: 2:0-0-1 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2600-2200m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $35 Opening price: $51 Best price: $51

FORM: Experienced Japanese stayer who wasn’t far away when 1-3/4 len 6th of 17 (6) $32.00 (58.0) Gold Ship 3200m Jap — Kyoto G1 Tenno Sho Good May 3. Always in a similar spot when 5-3/4 len 10th of 18 (15) $16.00 (55.5) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Japanese stayer who held his spot in the Caulfield Cup. Finished close-up in the Tenno Sho in top field two starts ago at Kyoto over 3200m a race he finished third in the year before. Will be strong at the end of the 3200m.

8. MAX DYNAMITE — 55kg

Ireland

Jockey: Frankie Dettori Barrier: (2)

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Career: 18: 3-3-2. Prizemoney: $379,647

Breeding: Great Journey-Mascara

6YO bay gelding

Biggest win: 2015 Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3300m) at York, beating Trip To Paris and Big Orange.

Distance: 7:1-3-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 3299-2200m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $13 Opening price: $17 Best price: $17

FORM: Toughed it out when 2-1/4 len 2nd of 20 (0) $11.00 (64.0) Quick Jack 3219m Ire — Galway Galway Hrdl Good July 30. Dominated his rivals to score 4-1/2 len win of 8 (2) $9.00 (58.5) Mizzou, Hidden Gold 3299m G B — York G2 Lonsdale Cup Dead Aug. 21.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Irish stayer who booked his ticket here with an easy win in the Lonsdale Cup. Been mixing flat and hurdles. Three starts ago he finished second to the well credentialed Quest For More, who also contests this race.

9. RED CADEAUX — 55kg

England

Jockey: Gerard Mosse Barrier (8)

Trainer Ed Dunlop

Career: 53: 7-13-7. Prizemoney: $8,108,268

Breeding: Cadeaux Genereux-Artisia

10YO chestnut gelding

Biggest win: Group 1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in 2012

Distance: 8:0-4-1 Track: 5:0-3-0 Win range: 2816-2400m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $31 Opening price: $51 Best price: $51

FORM: Eased out of it when 51-1/4 len last of 7 (1) $34.00 (57.5) Snow Sky 2414m G B — Ascot G2 Hardwicke Stks Good June 20. Just plugged away when 5 len, 4-1/2 len 3rd of 6 (2) $15.00 (59.5) Agent Murphy, Windshear 2671m G B — Newbury G3 Geoffrey Freer Dead Aug. 15.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: The sentimental favourite. English stayer who has been adopted by the locals due to his amazing record in this race of four runs for three seconds and an eighth. Has run well in the Freer Stakes in 2013 and 2014 before finishing second at his past two Melbourne Cups. Showed he’s on track again with another sound performance in that race.

10. TRIP TO PARIS — 55kg

England

Jockey: Tommy Berry Barrier: (14)

Trainer: Ed Dunlop

Career: 18: 6-2-1. Prizemoney: $775,548

Breeding: Champs Elysees-La Grand Zoa

5YO bay gelding

Biggest win: 2015 Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup (4000m)

Distance: 2:1-0-1 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 4023-1408m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $7 Opening price: $35 Best price: $35

FORM: Safely held when 11-1/2 len 5th of 8 (3) $8.00 (60.5) Max Dynamite 3299m G B — York G2 Lonsdale Cup Dead Aug. 21. Stormed home late for 1/2 len 2nd of 18 (4) $31.00 (55.0) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Red Cadeaux’s stablemate who garnered Melbourne Cup attention with fast finishing effort to finish second. The further the better for him as he won the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup over 4023m four starts ago. Great each-way hope.

11. WHO SHOT THEBARMAN — 54.5kg

Jockey: Blake Shinn Barrier (6)

Trainer: Chris Waller

Career: 24: 8-3-1. Prizemoney: $1,423,020

Breeding: Yamanin Vital-Ears Carol

7YO bay gelding

Biggest win: Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington last October.

Distance: 4:1-1-1 Track: 4:2-0-1 Win range: 3200-1600m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $19 Opening price: $51 Best price: $51

FORM: Stuck to his guns when 2 len 8th of 15 (4) $9.50 (56.5) Preferment 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good (3) Oct. 4. Kept working to the line when 5-1/4 len 7th of 18 (17) $26.00 (54.5) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Before the international invasion has the form which would see him as favourite. Finished on strongly for third in last year’s Melbourne Cup. Got to the line solidly in the Caulfield Cup in a good Melbourne Cup trial. Should be in the finish.

12. SKY HUNTER — 54kg

England

Jockey: William Buick Barrier: (7)

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor

Career: 11:6-1-1. Prizemoney: $585,150

Breeding: Motivator-Pearl Kite

6YO bay gelding

Prizemoney: $585,150

Biggest win: 2015 Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold (2400m) at Meydan

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2414-1950m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $41 Opening price: $35 Best price: $41

FORM: Made it two in a row with 1-3/4 len win of 10 (7) $3.00F (57.0) Sheikhzayedroad, Umgiyo 2410m Dubai G2 City Of Gold Good Mar 7. Returned from a break with 1-1/2 len 2nd of 5 (4) $6.50 (61.0) The Corsican 2217m G B — Newbury G3 Legacy Cup Dead Sept 19.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Lightly raced Godolphin stayer with good strike rate. Battled on well for second at Newbury last start in solid effort after two impressive wins at Newbury and Dubai. French Derby placegetter in 2013 so can mix it at the top level.

13. THE OFFER — 54kg

Jockey: Damien Oliver Barrier: (13)

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse

Career: 27: 8-2-3. Prizemoney: $1,442,379

Breeding: Montjeu-Valdara

7YO bay gelding

Biggest win: Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick in April 2014.

Distance: 2:1-0-0 Track: 1:0-0-0 Win range: 3200-1600m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $35 Opening price: $26 Best price: $81

FORM: Was 5th in the Newcastle Cup before even 1-3/4 len 4th of 10 (10) $8.00 (61.0) Ruling Dynasty 2400m R’wick LR City Tatts Cup Good (3) Oct. 17. Back in the winners circle on Wednesday posting 3/4 len win of 11 (7) $7.50 (59.0) Divan, Kirramosa 2400m G3 Bendigo Cup Good (3) Oct. 28.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Big effort to win the Bendigo Cup impressively last Wednesday with big weight. Has returned to his best this campaign and easily won the 2014 Sydney Cup on a wet track. Comes right into contention if track is rain affected.

14. GRAND MARSHAL — 53.5kg

Jockey: Jim Cassidy Barrier: (15)

Trainer: Chris Waller

Career: 25:7-5-2. Prizemoney: $1,431,792

Breeding: Dansili-Margarula

6YO brown gelding

Biggest win: Group 1 Sydney Cup at Rosehill in April.

Distance: 1:1-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 3200-1609m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $41 Opening price: $35 Best price: $61

FORM: Did his best work late when 5-3/4 len 5th of 10 (1) $16.00 (59.0) Complacent 2000m R’wick G3 Craven Plate Good (3) Oct. 3. Passed a couple late when 6 len 11th of 18 (5) $51.00 (53.5) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Could be the best outsider. Was charging home in the Caulfield Cup before he ran into a dead-end with 100m to go so should have finished closer. Only start over 3200m he ran home strongly to defeat his stablemate Who Shot Thebarman in the Sydney Cup.

15. PREFERMENT — 53.5kg

Jockey: Hugh Bowman Barrier: (11)

Trainer: Chris Waller

Career: 15: 3-4-1. Prizemoney: $1,503,405

Breeding: Zabeel-Better Alternative

4YO bay horse

Biggest win: Group 1 Victoria Derby

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 2:2-0-0 Win range: 2500-2000m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $10 Opening price: $35 Best price: $35

FORM: Made it two in a row with sht hd win of 15 (9) $11.00 (56.5) Royal Descent, Set Square 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good (3) Oct. 4. Overraced in the early stages before finishing 12-3/4 len 9th of 14 (9) $14.00 (57.5) Winx 2040m M Valley G1 W.S. Cox Plate Good (3) Oct. 24.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Brilliant four-year-old who has had two starts at Flemington for two wins — the VRC Derby and the Turnbull Stakes two starts ago when he swooped over the top of his rivals. Finished off in good style in the Cox Plate. Looking for 3200m and carries the Waller polish.

16. QUEST FOR MORE — 53.5kg

England

Jockey: Damian Lane Barrier: (21)

Trainer: Roger Charlton

Career: 19: 6-4-3. Prizemoney: $395,340

Breeding: Teofilo-No Quest

5YO bay gelding

Biggest win: 2015 Northumberland Plate (3200m) at Newcastle, holding off Max Dynamite.

Distance: 3:2-1-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 3237-1670m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $101 Opening price: $35 Best price: $61

FORM: Just missed when nk 2nd of 11 (5) $5.50F (61.0) Big Orange 3219m G B — Goodwood G2 Goodwood Cup Good July 30. Caught wide throughout when 8-1/2 len 16th of 17 (15) $6.00 (59.0) Almoonqith 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good (3) Oct. 21.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: English stayer who flopped in the Geelong Cup when fancied. Went forward and was beaten a long way out. Drops 5.5 kilos on Geelong and he’s much better suited over 3200m. Also his English form ties in with several of his rivals in this who are shorter than him in the betting. Capable of running a big race at huge odds.

17. ALMOONQITH — 53kg

Jockey: Dwayne Dunn Barrier: (10)

Trainer: David Hayes and Tom Dabernig

Career: 21:5-3-1. Prizemoney: $476,225

Breeding: Dynaformer-Bohemian Lady

6YO bay horse

Biggest win: Group 3 Geelong Cup on October 21, Group 3 Nad Al Sheda in Dubai in February.

Distance: 1:0-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2810-1600m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $15 Opening price: $101 Best price: $101

FORM: Made some late ground when 4-1/4 len 7th of 13 (12) $11.00 (55.5) Magic Hurricane 2400m R’wick G1 The Metro Good (3) Oct. 3. Overcame a wide gate to score 1-3/4 len win of 17 (14) $10.00 (55.5) Dandino, Manndawi 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good (3) Oct. 21.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Couldn’t have been more impressive sprinting home to win the Geelong Cup in powerful fashion. That race has proven to be a good guide for the Melbourne Cup in recent years. Has to be included in the chances.

18. KINGFISHER — 53kg

Ireland

Jockey: Colm O’Donoghue Barrier: (9)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Career: 15:3-2-2. Prizemoney: $726,780

Breeding: Galileo-Mystical Lady

5YO bay horse

Biggest win: 2015 Listed Saval Beg Stakes (2800m) at Leopardstown

Distance: 3:2-1-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2800-1609m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $41 Opening price: $35 Best price: $35

FORM: Beaten a long way when 7-1/2 len, 8-1/2 len 3rd of 5 (2) $3.50 (61.0) Order Of St George, Sea Moon 2816m Ire — Curragh G3 St Leger trial Slow Aug. 23. Safely held when 43-1/4 len 8th of 11 (1) $21.00 (62.0) Order Of St George 2816m Ire — Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Good Sept 13.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Emerging former English stayer who couldn’t have been more impressive winning the Herbert Power Stakes. Charged around the field with 1000m to go and just kept on going winning easing up by three lengths. Looks in the zone and is a definite winning chance.

19. PRINCE OF PENZANCE — 53kg

Jockey: Michelle Payne Barrier: (1)

Trainer: Darren Weir

Career: 23:6-6-2. Prizemoney: 2500-1300m

Breeding: Pentire-Royal Successor

6YO bay horse

Biggest win: Moonee Valley Gold Cup in 2014

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 6:1-3-0 Win range: 2500-1300m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $101 Opening price: $61 Best price: $81

FORM: Passed a couple late when 7-3/4 len 8th of 13 (12) $10.00 (59.0) Amralah 2400m C’field G2 Herbert Power Good (3) Oct. 10. Toughed it out when 1/2 len 2nd of 10 (4) $6.00 (57.0) The United States 2500m M Valley G2 M.V. Cup Good (3) Oct. 24.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Returned to form with brave attempt to lead throughout to win the Moonee Valley Cup only to be overhauled in the straight by The United States. Carries the Weir polish and he’s confident he’ll run a big race.

20. BONDI BEACH — 52.5kg

Ireland

Jockey: Brett Prebble Barrier: (18)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Breeding: Galileo-One Moment In Time

4YO bay horse

Career: 5:2-3-0. Prizemoney: $438,897

Biggest win: 2015 Group 3 Curragh Cup (2816m)

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 0:0-0-0 Win range: 2816-2414m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $23 Opening price: $35 Best price: $35

FORM: Ran on late for 1/2 len 2nd of 7 (1) $3.80F (57.0) Storm The Stars 2414m G B — York G2 Voltigeur Stks Dead Aug. 19. Lost the race on appeal when hd 2nd of 7 (7) $3.00 (57.5) Simple Verse 2937m G B — Doncaster G1 St Leger Stks Good Sept 12.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Lightly raced Northern Hemisphere three-year-old colt with great credentials. Five starts suggest he’s well above average. Also a member of the worlds’ leading stable of Aidan O’Brien.

21. SERTORIUS — 52.5kg

Jockey: Craig Newitt Barrier: (5)

Trainer: Jamie Edwards

Career: 41:10-10-4. Prizemoney: $1,269,422

Breeding: Galileo-Pretty Penny

8YO bay horse

Biggest win: Group 2 Sandown Classic 2013

Distance: 1:0-0-1 Track: 6:1-2-1 Win range: 2400-1200m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $151 Opening price: $101 Best price: $201

FORM: Made some late ground when 6-1/2 len 6th of 13 (5) $12.00 (59.0) Amralah 2400m C’field G2 Herbert Power Good (3) Oct. 10. Safely held when 6-1/2 len 9th of 17 (4) $14.00 (56.5) Almoonqith 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good (3) Oct. 21.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Solid stayer, who although he’s been well held, has been finishing off his races this time in the manner of a horse looking for 3200m. One start over 3200m for a well beaten third in the Sydney Cup. Could run a race at big odds.

22. THE UNITED STATES — 52.5kg

Jockey: Joao Moreira Barrier: (3)

Trainer: Robert Hickmott

Career: 12:5-2-1. Prizemoney: $349,022

Breeding: Galileo-Beauty Is Truth

6YO chestnut horse

Biggest win: Group 3 Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 24.

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 1:0-0-0 Win range: 2500-1408m

TAB Fixed odds (current): $18 Opening price: $26 Best price: $101

FORM: Got too far back when 2 len 6th of 9 (2) $2.70F (55.5) Escado 2040m M Valley G3 Jra Cup Firm (2) Oct. 2. Finished strongly for 1/2 len win of 10 (5) $3.60F (56.0) Prince Of Penzance, Bohemian Lily 2500m M Valley G2 M.V. Cup Good (3) Oct. 24.

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Another emerging stayer who goes into this as an impressive last-start winner. Surged home to win the Moonee Valley Cup against the pattern impressively after a series of luckless runs. Another who can’t be disregarded.

23. EXCESS KNOWLEDGE — 51kg

Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy Barrier: (24)

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse

Career: 18: 5-5-2. Prizemoney: $535,747

Breeding: Monsun-Quenched

6YO brown horse

Biggest win: Group 2 Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

FORM: Kept coming when 3 len 2nd of 13 (13) $5.00 (57.5) Amralah 2400m C’field G2 Herbert Power Good (3) Oct. 10. Trapped three deep and Dunn let him go before turn and stayed on strongly (surviving protest) for sht 1/2h d win of 13 (9) $4.40 fav (56.5) Zanteca 2500m Flem. G1 Lexus Soft 5 on Saturday.

TAB Fixed odds (current): $35 Opening price: $201 Best price: $201

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Won his way into Melbourne Cup with narrow but gutsy win in the Lexus. Shaping as if 3200m will be right up his alley. Looks a great lightweight chance.

24. GUST OF WIND — 51kg

Jockey: Chad Schofield Barrier: (19)

Trainer: John Sargent

Career: 9:3-0-0. Prizemoney: $849,900.

Breeding: Darci Brahma-Starrystarrynight

4YO bay mare

Distance: 0:0-0-0 Track: 2:0-0-0 Win range: 2400-1400m

Biggest win: Group 1 Australian Oaks at Royal Randwick in April.

TAB Fixed odds (current): $26 Opening price: $35 Best price: $35

FORM: Looked unlucky when 2-1/2 len 11th of 15 (5) $26.00 (54.5) Preferment 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good (3) Oct. 4. Stuck to his guns when 3-3/4 len 4th of 18 (9) $21.00 (51.0) Mongolian Khan 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good (3) Oct. 17.

TAB Fixed odds (current): $31

MICHAEL MANLEY SAYS: Conqueror of Winx in the Australian Oaks last April. Showed she’s on track for a forward showing with strong effort in the Caulfield Cup. Lightweight chance.