If the current trend continues Irish stayer Yucatan Ire will hold his spot at the head of the Melbourne Cup market but favourites have a poor record in the great race.
Just four favourites in the last 20 years have won, with the most recent Fiorente ($7.00) in 2012.
Prior to that, it was Makybe Diva when she won her third consecutive Cup at $4.50.
During the same period just three favourites have finished in the first three, the most recent was Hartnell ($5.50) in 2015.
Last year’s winner Rekindling started at $15 while favourite, $8.50 Marmelo who was heavily supported, finished ninth.
Prince of Penzance is the longest priced winner in recent years, starting at $101 in 2015.
CUP FAVOURITES
Year Fav /Finish Odds
2017 Marmelo 9th $8.50
2016 Hartnell 3rd $5.50
2015 Fame Game 13th $5.00
2014 Admire Rakti 22nd $5.50
2013 Fiorente WON $7.00
2012 Dunaden 14th $7.00
2011 Americain 5th $5.00
2010 So You Think 3rd $3.00
2009 Alcopop 6th $4.80
2008 Mad Rush 7th $5.50
“If history is any guide a favourite is overdue for a win and punters obviously think Yucatan can finally break the drought.
"The Aidan O’Brien trained entire has received massive support and even though the Cup is a wide betting race Yucatan could start even shorter,’’ said Sportsbet's Will Byrne.
Melbourne Cup
$4.50 Yucatan Ire
$10 Magic Circle
$10 Cross Counter
$13 Avilius
$13 Muntahaa
$15 Best Solution
$17 The Cliffsofmoher
$19 Youngstar
$19 Marmelo
$21 Rostropovich
$26 Red Verdon
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