Bookies wary of Marmelo

LEADING bookmakers Matt Tripp and Rob Waterhouse have handed punters a significant Melbourne Cup lead by avoiding Marmelo at the traditional call of the card.

While CrownBet’s Tripp, Waterhouse and fellow bagmen Mark Sampieri and Warren Woodcock were prepared to take on a host of other Cup contenders, Marmelo was kept safe.

Opening at $8.50, Marmelo tightened to $8 amid expectation of strong on-course support for the English raider at Flemington. Tripp said he was happy to dodge Marmelo, an eye-catching Caulfield Cup sixth, with only small bets allowed at $8.50.

“I thought Marmelo was outstanding in the Caulfield Cup,” Tripp said. “It got off bal- ance and on its wrong leg. Flemington will suit it down to the ground.

“It’s drawn to get a great run in seventh and eighth and as the race momentum builds, his momentum will build.

“I’d be happy with a break even result with him — $8 the favourite in any race is probably not a bad price.”

Tom Waterhouse tried to back the Prix Kergorlay winner to win $100,000 but the bet was knocked back.

Tripp said he was prepared to risk Max Dynamite and Johannes Vermeer.

“Exposed form now with Johannes Vermeer versus Marmelo, I clearly want to be on Marmelo,” Tripp said.

“While Johannes Vermeer is a class horse, I think there is a query at two miles while the stablemate Almandin has done everything right.”