Big Orange has been the clear market mover in 2016 Zipping Classic betting markets and he is now into $3.90 to take out the Group 2 event at Ladbrokes Park this afternoon.
Big Orange was well-backed in the lead-up to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1 and he finished a flat tenth, but punters are willing to give him another opportunity in the Zipping Classic.
He opened at a quote of $5 when the Zipping Classic field was released earlier in the week, but there has been consistent support for the Duke Of Marmalade gelding and he could start the race as favourite.
Big Orange may have been the best-backed runner in 2016 Zipping Classic betting markets with Ladbrokes, but it is Who Shot Thebarman that currently remains a narrow favourite.
Who Shot Thebarman has not recorded a race since he romped home to a dominant seven lengths victory in the Zipping Classic 12 months ago, but he heads into the race after strong efforts in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on October 22 as well as the Melbourne Cup.
Another horse that is set to back-up from the Melbourne Cup in the Zipping Classic is Almoonqith.
Almoonqith has not recorded a race win since he took out the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) at this same meeting 12 months ago and he also comes into this race off the back of a solid performance in the Melbourne Cup.
The other two horses that are available at single-figure 2016 Zipping Classic odds are Beautiful Romance and So Si Bon.
Beautiful Romance also comes out of the Melbourne Cup and is $6 to record a maiden Australian race win, while So Si Bon will take on the older horses after finishing fourth behind Prized Icon in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m).
The 2016 Zipping Classic field is rounded out by Godolphin-owned Secret Number ($12), Robbie Laing-trained Tristram’s Sun ($81) and the extreme outsider Transfer Allowance ($101).