The $6 million (Australian) Emirates Melbourne Cup (G1), contested at 3200 meters (2 miles) under handicap weights, is known as the race that stops a nation, and celebrated its 150th renewal this year. Originally a full field of 24 was drawn but with Bauer scratched, 23 loaded into the gate on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse before 110,223 rain-soaked fans. As expected, So You Think was sent off as the 5-2 favorite over 5-1 Maluckyday and 7-1 Descarado.
14-1 Once Were Wild was loose on the lead early, taking over from Descarado first time past the stands, and he was stalked by Descarado and 20-1 Mr. Medici down the backstretch. Entering the stretch, Harris Tweed came on to take the lead as the field bunched up and fanned out for the long run-in. Favorite So You Think came through to take the lead at the 3/16 pole but tired in the final furlong, as late-closing Americain on the far outside passed the leaders at the 1/16 pole to win going away by 2 3/4 lengths over Maluckyday in 3.26.87 over the course rated slow. So You Think was 1/2 a length back in third.
US pay-offs for the 2010 Melbourne Cup
Results chart with Australian pay-offs from TAB Racing Victoria
Results chart with running comments from Sporting Life
