Melbourne Cup betting tips

It's nearly that time when everything comes to a standstill Down Under - the Emirates Melbourne Cup is a race that captivates the entire nation, and this year's renewal looks a fascinating spectacle. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Yeats looks pretty short at 7/2 in places in my opinion. He was turned over by Kastoria when 2/7 for the Irish St Leger at The Curragh latest. Although that 14-furlong trip may have been a tad sharper than he needs these days, that will still a disappointing effort. I am concerned about the good to soft going at Flemington for Yeats. He won on soft as a three-year-old, but that was an egg and spoon race and the five-year-old's improvement this season has coincided with not only stepping up to marathon distances, but also tackling a fast surface. The son of Sadler's Wells appeared to relish top of the ground when winning both the Ascot and Goodwood Cup's. In any case, I cannot envisage the Irish raider proving good enough to concede 8lb to the progressive Tawqeet, who gets my confident vote and is well worth backing at a best-priced 5/1 with Ladbrokes. A smart horse when in the care of John Dunlop last season, a campaign in which he finished third to Scorpion in the St Leger, the four-year-old is a versatile entire who acts on any going and, although he has yet to race over two miles, has been shaping as though he's crying out for it. Indeed, his trainer David Hayes has said as much, and also indicated that the son of Kingmambo was just 80 per cent fit when getting the better of Aqua d'Amore and Delta Blues, with a number of Tuesday's rivals back in the ruck, when landing the Caulfield Cup on October 21. Three horses since 1995 have won that valuable event before going on to capture this prize in the same season and Tawqeet has a great chance to enhance that record further, and in the process give his owner Hamdan Al Maktoum a second major victory in the space of four days following Invasor's triumph in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday. There are four European challengers. In addition to Yeats, Geordieland, Glistening and Land 'n' Stars take their chances. The last-named was stone last in the Caulfield Cup and has plenty to find, but the other duo both boast each-way claims. Geordieland has a 6lb pull with Yeats compared to when beaten five lengths by that rival in Ascot Gold Cup. Considering that that was his first run for new connections, and that the going would have been plenty quick enough for him, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he were to exact revenge on Yeats this time. Furthermore, he has the assistance of Frankie Dettori in the saddle, and the Italian is on a high following his brace at the Breeders' Cup meeting. Glistening had Geordieland under two lengths back in fourth when caught close home in the Ebor at York in August, but may struggle to confirm those placings on 3lb worse terms. Glen Boss, who has partnered Makybe Diva to win the last three renewals of this glittering prize, is aboard Zipping on this occasion. However, the hopes of the home nation would appear to rest with Victoria Derby hero Efficient and Maybe Better, while Japan's best chance of tasting glory could like with Pop Rock. Verdict: 2pts Tawqeet @ 5/1 (Ladbrokes)DetailsThe Melbourne Cup 2006 will be held on November 7th 2006. The 2006 Melbourne Cup will run at the Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse. This is the biggest racing event in Australia and all eyes will be on the Melbourne Cup.You can bet for free on this event by claiming free bet bonuses from these bookiesPaddyPower £10 VCBet £20+£10Blue Square £25Totesport £25 - £100Stan James £25Bet365 £25-£100LadbrokesBet internet £25Betandwin Euro 5WillHill