The Melbourne Cup: Where Favourites Go to Die (Laughing...Mostly)
The Melbourne Cup - Australia's "race that stops a nation" (or at least makes it glue itself to the TV for a long lunch). But there's one question that punters (people who bet on horses, not those who accidentally kick them) ponder every year: do favourites ever actually win?
Well, buckle up, because the answer is about as likely as your uncle Wayne nailing that perfect pavlova (it's an Aussie meringue dessert, kind of like a national treasure). Here's the dirt:
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Favourites? More Like Feint-vorites! Out of the past 150 Melbourne Cups, only around 34 favourites have actually crossed the finish line first. That's a measly 23% win rate, folks. Translation: Don't base your entire life savings on the fancy horse with the silky coat.
Where Do Dreams Go to Die? The Melbourne Cup is a gruelling 3200 meters (that's almost 2 kilometres for those who prefer the metric system). Throw in international competition, fickle weather, and the pressure of a nation's bets, and suddenly being the favourite feels more like a target than a lucky charm.
But Wait, There's More! Just because the favourite is a bit of a gamble doesn't mean there's no fun to be had. Here are some sure-fire ways to spice up your Melbourne Cup experience:
- Pick the horse with the funniest name: Think "Sirloin Steak" vs. "Neighthan the Conqueror" - laughter is the best medicine (especially if you lose your bet).
- Go international: Pretend you're a fancy European betting on a horse named something like "Le Grande Fromage" (translation: the big cheese).
- Embrace the underdog: There's something beautiful about a complete outsider winning it all. Just imagine the look on your mate's faces when your $100 bet on "One Eyed Willy" pays off!
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
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| How Many Favourites Win Melbourne Cup |
## Melbourne Cup Favourites: FAQ
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
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How to pick a winning Melbourne Cup horse? There's no guaranteed formula, but research form, temperament, and past performance. A dash of luck never hurts either!
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
How often do favourites win the Melbourne Cup? Only about 23% of the time. So, while it can happen, don't bet the farm on it.
How much does it cost to enter a horse in the Melbourne Cup? A cool $600 is the initial entry fee. But hey, if your horse wins, that's pocket change, right? (famous last words)
How do I watch the Melbourne Cup? Most Australian channels broadcast the race live. For international viewers, check your local listings or online streaming options.
How to make the Melbourne Cup more fun? Get creative! Pick wacky horses, have a themed lunch, or make it a sweepstake with friends.
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