TRIUMPH AND TEARS AT THE CUP
START
The field got away evenly with Twilight Payment and favourite Tiger Moth pushing forward and racing on the speed. Glen Boss took Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet straight across to the fence from barrier 14 as everyone looked to find cover and a cushy spot. Finche was also looking to take a forward position.
FIRST TURN
Twilight Payment led the field out of the home straight for the first time with Tiger Moth on his back and last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare in the box seat in third. The Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant was near last but, importantly, settled in a good rhythm.
1200m
Jye McNeil started to lift the pressure in front on Twilight Payment and was leading by a length over Finche who slipped into second and followed the leader’s every move. Tiger Moth was three lengths back and not interested in going with them. By now the field was well strung out.
HOME TURN
McNeil had Twilight Payment in an excellent rhythm to this point and now was ready to let him loose and try to pinch the Melbourne Cup. Finche was under pressure in second as a wall of horses made their runs with Russian Camelot looking a real threat as Verry Elleegant got going out wide.
CLOCK TOWER
Twilight Payment was still leading by more than 2 ½ lengths but the lightweight Tiger Moth was eating into his lead and looked a big chance to mow him down late. The Chosen One also emerged as a contender after a cushy run, while Russian Camelot looked like he wouldn’t stay the 3200m as Prince Of Arran was about to fly past him.
WINNING POST
In a perfect ride, McNeil got Twilight Payment over the line half a length clear of Tiger Moth with Prince Of Arran scorching home to run third and get within a neck of Tiger Moth. Verry Elleegant left her run too late but came home well to run seventh.