The 2015 Melbourne Cup (3200m) takes place on Tuesday and Japanese raider Fame Game will start as favourite to win the Flemington showpiece.
But is he deserving of the short quote, and can he be beaten?
Can Fame Game be beaten?
His form over staying trips in Japan and his eye-catching run in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) entitle him to favouritism and of course any horse can be beaten however, this one looks incredibly hard to beat, writes Aaron Hamilton.
The six-year-old son of Heart Cry recorded a fast-finishing 2nd in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (3200m) which is regarded as the world’s strongest two-mile race.
Three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva could manage just 7th in Japan’s greatest staying race but never looked like getting beaten in any of her three Cup wins.
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Although Fame Game’s Tenno Sho placing was as good as you would see from an international visitor, it was his win in the Diamond Stakes (3400m) that should have punters most excited.
At his first run from a spell, Fame Game finished 4.8 lengths 12th of 17 over 2200m and then headed into the Diamond Stakes as the $3.70 favourite.
In the Diamond Stakes, he settled worse than midfield and travelled easily throughout before unleashing his devastating sprint in the straight and going on to record an easy 2.3-length victory.
He was then sent for a spell and subsequently finished 2nd to Japanese star Gold Ship in the Tenno Sho before going for another spell and being aimed at the Melbourne Cup.
(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Coincidentally, Fame Game resumed this campaign with a slashing 4.8-lengtht 6th placing in the Caulfield Cup and how heads into the Melbourne Cup as the $3.70 favourite.
Racing commentators seem to be jumping ship and picking other selections to win Australia’s greatest race, but that has more to do with Fame Game’s price that his ability.
Considering the favourite has won the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Victoria Derby this year, the trend looks set to continue with Fame Game saluting for favourite backers.
The long Flemington straight will suit this horse better than any track he has previously raced on, and he will be charging home late while most are feeling the pinch of the gruelling 3200m test.
I do agree, his price is too short in a race as open as the Melbourne Cup, but he is undoubtedly the one to beat.
Those looking for value can chance their arm on Almoonqith, Trip To Paris, Max Dynamite, The United States or Preferment, who I think are the best chances outside of the favourite.
But Fame Game is still my top pick and I’ll be cheering him home once the field swings past the famous Flemington clock tower.
Richard is our sportsbook specialist. Spotting the best odds on the market or a curveball spread opportunity is his job - and he dedicates himself to it.
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