Quest for the Melbourne Cup

Quest for Peace next stop the Melbourne Cup?

Quest for Peace will join Mount Athos to make a strong Luca Cumani challenge for the Melbourne Cup

Punters learnt today that last year's winner Dunaden will be travelling down under to defend his crown in the Melbourne Cup. However, he is not currently the favourite amongst the Eurpoean challengers - Luca Cumani's Mount Athos is and he now looks to be joined by his useful stablemate Quest for Peace on his trip down under to Flemington. 

On Saturday Quest for Peace added to his Glorious Goodwood win by winning the March Stakes at the course and in so doing making him a genuine contender for "the race that stops a nation".  Crockford noted that his temperament and style of running will be suited by the two mile handicap and as Richard Hughes commented after his win on him "you can put him where you want and switch him off".  Match this to his evident stamina and turn off foot the 25/1 on offer with Ladbrokes for The Melbourne Cup looks good value.

Godolphin expect to send two challengers to the race; one of which may well be Saturday's Ebor winner Willing Foe who is currently only quoted for the race by WBX. The odds given by World Betting Exchange (WBX) of 86 indicate not only his chances in the race but the view of others on his likelihood to be one of the two chosen amongst options that include the Gold Cup winner Colour Vision, Lost in the Moment and Cavalryman.  Crockford thanks OddsChecker for finding him this price as he thinks that it may well tumble as the days go by and the race and quarantine come closer. 

Melbourne Cup prices with Ladbrokes - Mount Athos 12/1, Dunaden 16/1, Red Cadeaux 20/1, Quest for Peace and Colour Vision 25/1.

(Photograph - Quest for Peace before the March Stakes at Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)