A strong contingent of European horses have traveled to Australia for what is claimed to be the richest two mile flat race in the world – The Melbourne Cup. Run each year on the first Tuesday in November, this years is the 150th running of the event, an event that has proven to be somewhat elusive to European trained horses.

Ireland’s Dermott Weld is the only European trainer to have undertaken a successful raid and he returns this year with his strong mare Profound Beauty. She ran fifth back in 2008 as a four year old and will be much better suited this year. The race is a hard one; as a four year old she just couldn’t quite handle the distance. As a six year old she has that extra stamina and experience. Bookmakers betting on the Melbourne Cup have her at 16/1.

Luca Cumani has a strong pair in 2008 runner up Bauer and the improving Manighar. Bauer is getting on a bit at seven years of age and history goes a little against him age wise. Bookmakers have him at 33/1. Manighar looks to be the best of the visitors when it comes to weight and conditions. Weather conditions at present are wet and further rain is expected between now and Tuesday (Australian time). Manighar doesn’t mind the wet and, at 14/1, represents good each way value.

French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre will saddle up Americain, the shortest priced of the European contingent (at 10/1) but he too may find the conditions against him. On a firm track he would certainly give this race a shake. He also has history on his side, having recently won the Geelong Cup, a good lead up race to the Melbourne Cup.

Of the European contenders to race this year, Manigher looks to be the best, especially if it’s wet. This is one of the strongest field for several years with the locals strong favourites to win. There is also a contingent from Japan looking to emulate previous victories. If you’re having a bet, include the local horse Zipping in your calculations. He doesn’t mind the wet, has experience in the race, and is well priced at 20/1. Can the Europeans bring home their second Melbourne Cup? They’ll certainly give it a shake!