Veteran race caller George Simon has narrowed the Melbourne Cup field down for rookie punters ahead of today's famous race.
The first Tuesday in November traditionally sees life grind to a halt on both sides of the Tasman, as Flemington hosts Australia's biggest horse race, one that has seen considerable Kiwi success over its 163-year history.
Today's coverage of the Melbourne Cup starts at 4.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+
Three years ago, NZ-bred Verry Elleegant took out the big race, with Kiwi jockey James McDonald on board. Other famous winners have included Carbine (1890), Phar Lap (1930), Van der Hum (1976), Kiwi (1983), Empire Rose (1988) and Ethereal (2001), the last NZ-owned and trained horse to prevail.
"We've got three runners in this year's cup, which is great to see," Simon told Breakfast. "Sharp 'N' Smart was NZ Horse of the Year two years ago and won our derbies, a renowned stayer.
The veteran commentator tips a few horses to watch in today's race. (Source: Breakfast)
"Positivity is trained by Andrew Forsman and the last one is Trust In You, trained by Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley.
"They're all at outside odds, but that's reflective of the quality of the field. At least we've got three runners to cheer home from a Kiwi perspective."
In 1990, Cooksley was the jockey on The Phantom, which finished second to Kingston Rule in the Melbourne Cup. The Phantom was trained by Murray Baker, who mentored Forsman at the same Cambridge stable where Positivity is based.
Sharp 'N' Smart ($51 to win) is the most favoured of the Kiwi horses at the TAB, but well behind favourites Vauban ($6.50) and Buckaroo ($7).
"The ones I really like are about the centre of the field, No.13, 14 and 15," said Simon. "Onesmoothoperator, Zardozi and also Sea King, who won the Bendigo Cup just a week or so ago... I think those three are going to be awfully hard to beat."
Simon's advice, however, comes with a pretty big disclaimer.
"I don't think I've ever tipped the winner of a Melbourne Cup, so disregard everything you just heard," he said with a grin.
Simon has attended his share of Melbourne Cup racedays over the years, but laments waning interest in horse racing recently.
"It's a tough environment out there at the moment," he said. "Back in the day, the Melbourne Cup was just a poor excuse to go along and have a great day.
"There'll be 100,000-plus people at Flemington today, but I'm guessing most won't remember who won the Melbourne Cup when they wake up tomorrow.
"It was a social occasion, but times have changed. Young people have so many other opportunities to go out and socialise these days, but I'm sure those who haven't been to a Melbourne Cup yet will want to enjoy the experience and tick it off their bucket list."
Today, you can hear Simon's dulcet tones calling races at Ellerslie.
Today's coverage of the Melbourne Cup starts at 4.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+
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