Overview
- Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy called barrier eight “absolutely perfect,” citing tactical flexibility for Tuesday’s two-mile handicap.
- Forecast rain could bring the soft ground the stable wants, with the Bureau of Meteorology tipping up to 35mm on Monday and further showers on Cup day.
- Half Yours carries 53kg after a two-kilogram penalty for his Caulfield Cup win, with connections acknowledging a lingering 3200m stamina query.
- Jamie Melham, the first woman to win the Caulfield Cup, retains the ride as she seeks to become only the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.
- The field skews international, with Chris Waller saddling five and Ciaron Maher three; key rivals include Valiant King (barrier 10), Buckaroo (12), Presage Nocturne (9) and Al Riffa (19), while Parchment Party becomes the race’s first American runner from barrier three.