Bookmakers have been betting on the Melbourne Cup since the conclusion of last year’s race - so which horse has been the biggest firmer ahead of the 163rd edition of Tuesday’s great race?
The Willie Mullins-trained international raider was a $51 chance when originally priced for the Melbourne Cup, firming into $3.60 when acceptances for the race were declared on Saturday, and since drawing barrier 3, he has firmed again and is trading at $3.50 on Sunday morning.Vauban accounts for a whopping 17 per cent of TAB’s hold on the Melbourne Cup and 25 per cent of investments since the barrier draw.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper was a $41 chance after the field was declared and then firmed again into $34 when drawing barrier five. The Caulfield Cup winner Without A Fight was installed as a $26 chance when he entered the market but he eased from $7.50 to $8 after drawing barrier 16, then punters have rallied for the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained galloper and he has firmed back into $7.He accounts for 11 per cent of the wagering giant’s book since Saturday’s barrier draw after firming in from a final field quote of $12 to $10.