New Zealanders are known to be passionate about horse racing betting, and the Melbourne Cup betting options are no different. Each year hundreds of horses and jockeys apply to run in the race, but only 24 get nominated in the end, and those are the 24 horses you will be focusing all of your Melbourne Cup betting strategies on.
A handicapping and balloting system decide whom those 24 horses will be after having run the Lexus Stakes race on Derby Day. It is by far the most watched Australian horse race, held on the Flemington Racecourse for three year old horses. The first Melbourne Cup was held way back in 1861 and its popularity has grown every year.
The Horses’ Form for Melbourne Cup Betting
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the horses form throughout the racing season year, as well as how they look on the day, and in the weeks preceding the Melbourne Cup. It is rare for the same horse to win the Melbourne Cup a few years in a row, but it does happen from time to time, most recently with the incredible Makybe Diva winning 2003, 2004 and 2005. Here is a quick look at the winners from 2003 to 2016, which may help with your choices for Melbourne Cup Betting.
2016: Almandin 2015: Prince Of Penzance
2014: Protectionist 2013: Fiorente
2012: Green Moon 2011: Dunaden
2010: Americain 2009: Shocking
2008: Viewed 2007: Efficient
2006: Delta Blues 2005: Makybe Diva
2004: Makybe Diva 2003: Makybe Diva
Not Just About Racing
While the ten fast paced races and the Melbourne Cup betting action is the main event, this spectacular race day at the Flemington Racecourse is also famous for the super fashionable and colourful outfits and outrageous hats worn on the day, the exclusive dining offers and excellent music and entertainment on offer throughout the day. The Emirates Melbourne Cup betting attracts a huge amount of bets, being the longest race of the day at 3200 metres, and also the one with the most valuable prize money.
Tips for Melbourne Cup Betting
Like AU punters checking out horse racing tips, once the final field is announced, then follow the sports bookmakers’ tips for Melbourne Cup betting closely. The more you follow thoroughbred horse racing throughout the year, and the more familiar you are with the horses’ form, the better your odds are for putting your wagers onto the right horse. Let’s face it – doing your homework can result in big, life changing wins in Melbourne Cup Betting. Keep up to date by watching live streams or the television sports coverage and read expert opinions in every forum possible.
The big sportsbooks know their business and following the odds they offer can give you great insights into which of the horses might be winners. Your Melbourne Cup betting odds can also improve by watching archive footage of previous races at the course. Ensure that you understand the different types of horse racing bets that you can play, the range of markets is wide and you want to go with bets that are within your level of risk comfort, but offer great winnings too.