Ellerslie Tips & Preview on Melbourne Cup Day | Tuesday 3 November

Perfect Chaos (#1) comes here off a 4th in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes here just over two weeks ago, where she got back and ran on late without quite threatening to win. She looks much better suited dropping back to R65 company, and whilst she has to carry a sizeable impost, Abinith Simon’s 4kg claim helps offset this. She maps to settle much closer to the speed this time, where Abinith Simon should be able to follow Rising Wind across early. She should take plenty of beating. 

Anora (#10) resumes here, last seen finishing 3rd at this track back in June, beaten just under a length in 3yo company. She had the one trial back in September to prepare for this campaign, where she found the line nicely under her own steam. She draws the best barrier of her career to date and maps to settle a couple of pairs closer than her prior runs as a consequence, in a race that looks to have a strong early tempo engaged. At the price, I’m happy to speculate on her running a big race first-up. 

Endless Night (#9) got back and ran on strongly late when not beaten far into 4th here a little over a fortnight ago over 1400m. Coming here fourth-up he looks suited getting out over a mile for this. He maps to settle handy to the speed this time from the inside gate, where he may well end up trailing the likely leader Superbus throughout. Should that eventuate, he should be afforded every chance to be winning this under Michael McNab. He looks the one to beat. 

High Country (#1) comes here fourth-up off a 6th here last start, where he sat handy but weakened in the straight over 2100m. He should be nearing his peak with those three runs now under his belt, and is suited by the rise to 2400m, whilst the blinkers now going on may also see some improvement out of him. He maps to settle handy to the speed from the inside gate, following the likely leader Faultless throughout. An improved showing at odds wouldn’t surprise. 

Gigi’s Prayer (#9) made up good late ground for 3rd from the back on debut at Tauranga three weeks ago, after being held up early in the straight. Now second-up, she should have derived plenty of natural improvement from that debut experience. She maps to settle a pair or two closer this time from the middle draw under Michael McNab. She looks to have plenty of upside, and I’m expecting she can run an improved race and be competitive despite taking on reasonable 3yo company. 

Wee Nessy (#7) closed off nicely from the back of the field when beaten just half a length into 3rd here last start. Now second-up, she should be improved heading here and looks suited getting out over 1600m off that resuming run. She maps to settle midfield with cover off an even tempo from her handy draw, with Joe Doyle now taking the reins. In a competitive R65 field, she should be thereabouts with any natural improvement from her resuming run. 

Mollify (#12) was ridden a treat early to find a good position midfield with cover when 10th here just over a fortnight ago, but didn’t have any favours late and went to the line untested. Now second-up, she looks suited getting out over 1500m, despite the first-up run being nothing more than a track gallop. She maps to settle handy to the speed from the low draw, and hopefully Warren Kennedy can give her clear galloping room late in the piece this time around. I’m more than happy to be with her at the price. 

El Vencedor (#2) led but weakened out late when 5th behind Top Shelf here ten days ago over 1600m. Now third-up, he looks better suited getting out over his pet trip of 2000m under WFA conditions. He maps to lead under Craig Grylls, where he should be able to coast forward as he pleases from the wide draw. He’s a high class galloper on his day who needs to improve off his latest but can. Should get every chance to bounce back to form here. 

Navy Ensign (#1) got back and wide before running on fairly late without looking like winning when 4th here over 1100m just over two weeks ago. He heads here third-up and looks much better suited getting out over 1300m. He maps to settle handy to the speed from the inside gate under Sam Collett, in a race that looks to have only an even tempo engaged. I’m expecting he can run an improved race, and he looks a leading contender in an even field. 

Romilly (#5) resumes here, last seen finishing 6th at Te Rapa back in April. She trialled nicely enough ahead of her return last month at Matamata, where she sat up on speed and kept up a good gallop to the line. She maps to settle handy from a favourable draw, possibly a pair or two back from what looks a genuine tempo on paper. She’s a handy mare on her day who could run a cheeky race at odds in a fresh state.