BOW OUT IN STYLE, FRANKIE

Andrew Newton assesses Dettori's chances of a fairytale farewell

- Andrew Newton

I thought I'd mix it up a bit this month and head Down Under for their biggest race - the Melbourne Cup. This year's contest is a tad later (Tuesday November 7) and will also have a lot of interest as it's rumoured to be Frankie Dettori's last ever meeting.

The 'Race that Stops a Nation' - as it's known in Australia - carries a winning pot of just over £2.5m and is run over a trip of two miles, so a combination of plenty of stamina and a bit of toe make up for the perfect winning cocktail.

UK racing fans will need to set their alarms for around 4am to watch it.

Last year, we saw Gold Trip cause a mini shock to win at 20/1 and he could be back for more in 2023, as he looks to become the first back-to-back Melbourne Cup winner since Makybe Diva won three on the bounce between 2002 and 2005.

So, as mentioned this year's race is going to have the Frankie Dettori media circus in town as the pocket Italian looks to end his 35-year career with another trademark 'flying dismount' in a race he's never won.

Dettori's mount is not totally been decided yet but there's every chance he'll be trying to get the leg-up the hot Willie Mullins favourite - Vauban - the 2022 Cheltenham Festival Triumph Hurdle winner.

While Mullins could also have Absurde in the race - a horse Frankie has ridden twice and put in a top ride to win the Ebor Handicap at York at the end of August.

Frankie first rode in the Melbourne Cup in 1993 on Drum Taps, with his best finish three seconds in 1999, 2015 and 2019 - can he go one better? There will not be many racing fans willing Dettori to deliver.

So, let's look at the main Melbourne Cup trends and stats to look out for.

Avoid Horses Drawn