Oceanographer setting sail for big race

No other horse in the race broke 12sec.

Oceanographer’s win saw his odds slashed from $18 to $5 second favouritism behind Hartnell at $4.40 for the Melbourne Cup. Jameka eased form $5.50 to $6.

Godolphin’s chief executive John Ferguson said Sheikh Mohammed has perhaps his best opportunity of winning a Melbourne Cup after second placings with Central Park (1999), Give The Slip (2001) and Crime Scene (2009).

“Kerrin rode for us in Europe and he is riding out of his skin here,’’ Ferguson said. “He rode Oceanographer perfectly and the horse was able to show his best. We have been running well in the Melbourne Cup for many years and to win it would be very, very special.

“John O’Shea has Hartnell, which has a great chance, Charlie (Appleby) has Qewy and Oceanogapher, and Saeed (Bin Suroor) has a couple of nice runners (Beautiful Romance, Secret Number). We have a real chance this year and we hope one might hit the back of the net.’’