European-trained Dandino has been one of the best backed runners in 2013 Melbourne Cup betting markets since the barrier draw was conducted on Saturday afternoon.
Dandino is one of the major market movers in 2013 Melbourne Cup betting markets. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Dandino was available at $16, despite storming home late to finish second behind Fawkner in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), before the Melbourne Cup barrier draw was conducted but has received plenty of betting support since managing co-owner Darren Dance selected gate four for the Dansili entire.
Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock team has had little luck drawing barriers for their stayers in Australia and Dance was clearly thrilled that Dandino had drawn just where he wanted for the $6 million Group 1 event at Flemington on Tuesday.
“We have finally got a really good gate,” Dance said after the barrier draw.
“We didn’t have the best gate at Caulfield and Jakkalberry didn’t have the best gate last year so it is just great to get a good gate.
“The horse is in really, really good order.
“He pulled up super after Caulfield and we wanted a good gate to give him every chance.
“We have got it and I could not be happier with the whole thing.”
Despite the Melbourne Cup betting push, there are still a number of racing experts that are concerned that Dandino will not be able to run a strong 3200 metres.
Dance has always said that Dandino was a better chance to win the Caulfield Cup than he was to win the Melbourne Cup – the opposite of stablemate Jakkalberry who finished third in the 2012 Melbourne Cup after a poor performance in the Caulfield Cup.
Dance agrees that there is a question mark over the staying credentials of the seven-year-old but believes that barrier four gives the American St Leger winner every possible opportunity to get the trip and be a factor in the Melbourne Cup finish.
“I’m not quite sure at this level,” Dance said when asked about Dandino’s chances of staying 3200 metres.
“This is probably the best Melbourne Cup field that we have seen and we are in a Group 1 over two miles, so you want everything in your favor.
“Barrier four makes it a little bit more comfortable and he won’t do much in the first 800 metres.
“He will be ready to be strong late.
“There are only three more sleeps, I’m not sure how much sleep we are going to get, but it is the ride of the like.”
The Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock owner said that he is a mixture of nerves and excitement heading into Tuesday’s race but admitted that it was a dream come true to have one of the Melbourne Cup betting favourites.
“There are only three more sleeps, I’m not sure how much sleep we are going to get, but it is the ride of your life,” Dance said.
“To have one of the favourites in the Melbourne Cup is a dream come true.”
