LEADING Melbourne bookmaker Michael Eskander has rated Graeme Rogerson’s Graphical as the horse to beat in tomorrow’s $150,000 Werribee Cup and has marked him to start at $3 at the jump.
The 11horse field is the smallest in recent years and is lacking the big names of previous cup meetings, which have included twotime Melbourne Cup and Saturday’s Cox Plate winner Makybe Diva.
Graphical drew barrier six when the final field was announced by the club yesterday.
“He’s definitely the one to beat – he’s got a lot of ability,” Eskander spokesman Michael Horne said after the draw.
Owned by Lloyd Williams, the fouryearold gelding is likely to be headed for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington on 5 November after an impressive preparation.
Lee Freedman’s Moe Cupwinning entry Pure Silence is the nextbest pick at $4 and will jump from barrier 11, while top weight Roman Arch will start at $7 despite copping a 59.5 kilogram riding penalty from barrier three. Former Werribee Cup winner Classic Benbara is also tipped to be a favourite among punters after faring well in the barrier draw.
Organisers are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s cup day washout and postponement.
A new Ford Fiesta is also up for grabs in the Westpoint Ford Fashions on the field, which will be judged by a fivemember panel. The car brings the total prize pool to more than $30,000.
Contestants are urged to dress with class and distinction appropriate for a country cup day.
Registration will take place at the Birdcage Bar between 11.30am and 1pm, with the first heats to begin at 12.30pm.
The 10race program jumps at 12.05pm with admission prices at $20 for adults and $10 for concession. Children under 17 are free.
