Adelaide Cup

The other big race during the Adelaide Cup Carnival is the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic. The Magic Millions Yearling Sales, held over four days, joined the Carnival in 2006. Future champions of the national and international racing scene are sold at the sale.

The first Adelaide Cup was held in 1864 when Falcon was the winner. No races were held in 1870 and 1871 and then again during World War II, 1942 and 1943. The race was first run over 2600 meters but was stretched to 3200 meters in 1945 and has remained that distance.

Last mare to win; Fanatic (2018)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – The Hind (1998); Filly – Laelia (1971)

Multiple winners: Our Pompeii (1993 & 1994); Lord Reims (1987, 1988 & 1989); Tavel (1970 & 1973); Peerless Fox (1950 & 1951); Eye Glass (1911 & 1912); Cowra (1866 & 1867).

Fastest time (3200m): Grand Scale (1976) 3:20:5

Interesting trivia: In 2019 Surprise Baby was only having his 6th start when he won the Adelaide Cup. He went on to the Melbourne Cup where he ran 5th.

Lord Reims retains a special place in Adelaide Cup history. He is the only horse to win the race three times. The Cliff Fenwick trained gelding won the cup three times in a row – in 1987, 1988 and 1989. Lord Reims had a different rider in each win, with Maree Lyndon making history in becoming the first and so far the only female jockey to win the race.

The most successful trainer is James Scobie, who had six wins between 1898 and 1930.

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 18 runners for the $400,000 2018 Ubet Adelaide Cup. The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Fanatic who won the 2017 Sandown Cup over this distance and who was 2^nd in the Roy Higgins over 2600m at Flemington last week. Second favourite is Ormito who has ran 3^rd at his last 3 starts. There are two horses on the third line of betting. Master Of Arts who was 2^nd in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes last week and was 3^rd in this race last year after winning the 2017 Lord Reims Stakes, and Exalted Lightning who was 4^th in last weeks Lord Reims.

Double Bluff was 2^nd in this race last year and has had 2 wins in February before 5^th in the Roy Higgins. Pretty Punk won the Hobart Cup over 2400m before 3^rd in the Launceston Cup. O’Lonera was a close 2^nd over 2500m last start. Diamond Grace goes well at 2400-2500m but is untested at this distance. Benzini was held up and bumped the fence several times when 3^rd in the Lord Reims Stakes. Raindrops On Roses finished off strong when winning over 2500m at Moonee Valley last start. All other runners are currently at 20 to 1 or longer, including Jim’s Journey and Tunes who both ran in this race last year.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.