The Melbourne Cup: Favourites? More Like "Maybe-ourites"!
The Melbourne Cup - Australia's "race that stops a nation" (or at least makes it glue itself to the TV). Every year, the hype builds, the fashion gets flashier than a magpie's lunch, and everyone becomes an overnight horse racing expert (yours truly included... kind of). But there's one question that plagues punters both seasoned and sporadic: do favourites ever actually win the Melbourne Cup?
The Stats That Shouldn't Make You Faint (Hopefully)
Well, buckle up, because the answer is... it's a coin toss, really. Out of the 163 Melbourne Cups run so far, only a measly 34 favourites have crossed the finish line first. That's a win rate of about 23%, which is basically the same odds of getting caught singing off-key in the shower (don't judge, we've all been there).
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
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| How Many Favourites Have Won The Melbourne Cup |
So, what does this mean?
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
- Don't put all your eggs (or should that be vegemite toast?) in one basket. Just because a horse is the favourite doesn't mean it's a guaranteed win. There can always be an upset (remember Prince of Penzance in 2015? At 100-1 odds? Yeah, that was a thing).
- Do your research! Look beyond the favourite and see what the dark horses are up to. Maybe there's a hidden gem lurking in the pack, waiting to surprise everyone (and maybe win you a nice little windfall).
Famous Faces Who DIDN'T Win (Sorry, But It's Funny)
- Phar Lap (1930): This Aussie legend holds the record for shortest-priced Melbourne Cup winner at 8/11. Basically, he was a shoo-in. But hey, at least everyone knew who was going to win, right?
- Saintly (1996): This champion was the favourite for three years in a row, but never quite managed to snag the Cup. Maybe he just had bad race day jitters?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
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The Takeaway: Embrace the Chaos!
The Melbourne Cup is all about the thrill of the unexpected. Don't get bogged down by favourites - spread your bets, have a laugh, and enjoy the race!
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Bonus Tip: Wear something fabulous. Even if your horse loses, at least you'll look good doing it.
FAQ - Become a Melbourne Cup "Expert" (Air Quotes Included)
How to pick a winner? A combination of research, intuition, and a healthy dose of luck usually does the trick.How to impress your friends with Melbourne Cup knowledge? Drop facts about past winners or interesting race statistics.How to avoid looking like a newbie? Don't confuse a jockey with a jacket.How to make the most of the day? Snacks, drinks, and good company are essential.How to deal with a Melbourne Cup loss? Drown your sorrows (or celebrate a near miss) with some delicious bubbles (the champagne kind, not the horsey kind... hopefully).
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