Lexus Hotham Handicap – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are nine acceptors for the last opportunity to win a ballot free entry into this years Melbourne Cup.  The top three in the weights ran in last weeks Geelong Cup – the race which the German horse Ashrun used as his lead up to win last years edition of this event.  Three others ran in a benchmark 78 at Caulfield on October 13.  Ciaron Maher & David Eustace saddle up two runners.

The clear cut favourite in the early betting is Great House.  The five year old son of Galileo was a strong fifth behind Incentivise in the Caulfield Cup last start and gets James McDonald to ride.  Next in the betting are the two Maher & Eustace runners, Mankayan & King’s Charisma.  Both drop significantly in weight and have strong international form over similar distances to this.  Le Don De Vie was the best placed finish of those who ran in the Geelong Cup.  Emissary gets the three time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss in the saddle.  Fun Fact was third in the Metropolitan two starts ago, while Mirage Dancer carries the top weight of 59kg.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Mirage Dancer

Eight year old son of Frankel who hasn’t won for a while.  Latest he was sixth in the Geelong Cup.  Consider for multiples.

2. Knights Order

This seven year old gelding won the Group 2 Brisbane Cup in June.  Was brave off a tough run in the Naturalism first up but has struggled in his two subsequent runs.  Not sure where he is at.

3. Le Don De Vie

Won the Warrnambool Cup in May.  Another who had their last start in the Geelong Cup.  He whacked away into fifth there.  Should get a nice run here for Damian Oliver who sticks with him.

4. Great House

Brings the best form into this. Won the Newcastle Cup in September, then ran fifth in the Metropolitan, then was in the inferior section of the track in the Caulfield Cup last start but still ran home very solidly into fifth.  The one they have to beat.

5. Fun Fact

Was third in the Colin Stephen two back, then dropped out to finish last in the St Leger.  Has trialled up well in between runs and gets the tongue tie on.  Could be worth another chance.

6. Emissary

Lightly raced import now under the care of Michael Moroney.  He ran well at Sandown first up.  Only fair in his two subsequent runs.

7. Mankayan

Currently 33rd on the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup – so needs to win here to secure a place in the final field.  Has been close up in all four Australian runs with out winning.  Gets blinkers on for the first time here which could be the key.  Keep safe.

8. Sous Les Nuages

Matt Cumani five year old who has two wins from thirteen starts.  Fitter here third up but needs to improve on what he has done in his two Australian runs to date.

9. King’s Charisma

Ex European having his third Australian start.  Didn’t have a lot of luck first up at Sandown over 1800m, then improved to finish fourth at Caulfield over 2000m.  Drops significantly in weight for this and is out to a trip that suits.  One of the each way chances.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4. Great House	4. Great House
7. Mankayan	9. King’s Charisma
9. King’s Charisma	7. Mankayan
6. Emissary	3. Le Don De Vie

Group 1 Victoria Derby 2021 (Flemington 2500m)

Group 1 Cantala Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1200m)

The Golden Eagle 2021 (Rosehill 1500m)