The prospects for Melbourne Cup favourite Point Of Law have been significantly boosted following the barrier draw for the prestigious Flemington race.
Contesting just his sixth career start, the $6 market leader has drawn barrier nine for the 166th running of Australia’s most famous race, a position trainer Ciaron Maher deems more than satisfactory.
“Barrier nine is ideal,” Maher stated, with the minor caveat that the galloper’s limited race experience, though less of an issue since his September arrival, still plays a part.
“I thought he needed a decent enough draw and that barrier, he needs to get the first half of the race right (but) I’m rapt with him and I think he’s thriving.”
The winner of the Group 2 Geelong Cup over 2400 metres will need to achieve a rare feat, aiming to be the 47th horse of his age to win the 3200-metre feature.
Maher is set to field a record seven runners, with 2025 third-place finisher Middle Earth drawing the inside gate, barrier one. Juja Kibo, the victor of the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m), will start from barrier 14, while Shockletz is in barrier 17.
“Barrier one didn’t hurt Tempted the other day,” he added, referring to the sprinter’s notable win over Ka Ying Rising.
“The owners were saying that barrier one might be ideal and I said I’d rather be there than in 24.
“He is ready to run the race of his career and he has had a similar prep to last year. He loves Flemington and has the engine for two mile though I think the handicapper got him a bit with his performance last year with 56.5-kilos.
“He’s a two- miler and there’s probably only half the field that will be.”
Maher indicated that $23 chance Zahrann, from barrier 11, could be the race’s forgotten runner, and also rated $11 chance Shockletz as one of his best propositions from barrier 17.
Harry Coffey’s ride on Pondalowie in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), which was won by Lady Shenandoah, ended with the jockey being transported to hospital for scans on a suspected collarbone injury, making his availability uncertain.
Irish contender James J Braddock, now at $13 in Melbourne Cup betting, will start from the widest gate, barrier 24.
For those interested in betting on the Melbourne Cup, consider exploring the available racing betting markets at various Australian bookmakers.