angel416, I figure I know which side you are on, and I have heard it all before. You are entitled to your opinion, and what you say is correct. But things are different this year. We have heard that before too. I'm all for the "come on Ossie Come on" thing... and allow me to be the mug who gets sucked in by the media hype... Do you really think that regardless of the field Media Puzzle flogged,that the race time is to be disregarded as well? Are you at all interested in the fact that in previous years, they participated with OS jockeys, but this year our best have jumped aboard? Regarding Vinnie Roe not have had a run in 2 months is quite common. It is not the type of preparation we prefer, but it works ok with their training methods. Besides, he is probably the one raider that the handicapper has got right, being 0.5 Kg over weight for age. I think there are better propositions than him amongst the OS and Kiwi horses. What I find difficult to understand is what you say about them. Goldophin nearly stole the race twice in the last 2 years, and has 3 runners this year, and you are laying them? I would be interested to see your assessment of the race angel416... It's a funny thing regarding the stable favoured runners you mentioned. Now that is hype. Do you really think they would put Frankie Dettori on a donkey that had no chance in the race? Why do you think they put him on? Could it be the same reason that Oliver and Paddy got sucked in too? They are very astute when they speak to the media these trainers. Of course they just as confussed as we are when it comes to running in this great race. But let me re-assure you, they are not here for the global miles, and as you say angel416, "It's not over to the fat lady sings", but for mine, she is already signing autograghs!

PS: FYI angel416

Seven imports have won the Melbourne Cup.

1910 Comedy King
1924 Backwood
1980 Beldale Ball
1986 At Talaq
1990 Kingston Rule
1993 Vintage Crop
1994 Jeune - First Northern Hemisphere trained winner.


[ This Message was edited by: Tab Hunter on 2002-10-30 13:48 ]