Despite the 3200-metre journey of the Melbourne Cup, when it comes to barrier draws the gap in starting from pole position compared to gate 21 still seems, on face value, to be a long way between being fortunate or otherwise.
Owner Ozzie Kheir part owns four runners engaged in this Tuesday’s running of the Group 1 $8.5 million event and when it came to drawing the barrier for race favourite Buckaroo, among those left were one and 21.
Barrier 21 it would be, and despite the psychological advantage a nearer position might have, he is sees it as the better option out of the two.
“I didn’t have a lot to choose from and I’d rather be in 21 than one, to be honest,” Kheir said.
“It isn’t ideal, but it is a long straight at Flemington and hopefully he settles midfield and the rest…. fingers crossed.”
Buckaroo is the $5.50 post-barrier draw betting companies favourite and will be shooting to emulate Vow And Declare’s victory back in 2019 from 21.
After a gallant second placing in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), the step up to two miles is still a task that carries some doubt.
“We’re still confident that he will run out the trip (but) there are question marks,” Kheir said.
“I genuinely think he is probably a stayer (who has been) running over shorter trips so I’ve got to have the view that if he’s good enough to win over a mile and 1800-metres, I genuinely think he’s a better horse over 2400-metres or further.”
Of Kheir’s other 2024 Melbourne Cup starters, impressive Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) winner Sea King (rated a $9 chance) drew the inside in barrier one, Interpretation ($15) in 14 and wider hope Saint George in nine.
Second-attempt Irish raider and topweight Vauban drew barrier 11 while stablemate Absurde – seventh in last year’s Melbourne Cup – drew barrier seven.
2023 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner Zardozi, who impressed today with a fifth placing in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), drew barrier four and firmed one point in markets to $17.