In his own words, NRL veteran Dale Finucane ‘knows nothing about’ horse racing. But the Sharks star and Fox Sports ambassador will have bragging rights for the next year, after picking the winner in the Melbourne Cup.
We asked our Fox Sports presenters and talent for their tips for the big race, and Finucane was the only one to get behind Cup winner Without A Fight.
And you just have to read his reasoning below.
Maybe next year we’ll have to include him in our list of experts – with just six of 40 experts tipping the winner and just one nailing the first two horses in order (Exacta).
HIGHLIGHTS & REPORT: Jockey’s bold gamble pays off in stunning 22-year double
WHO WON THE MELBOURNE CUP? Results from the great race
FULL FINISHING ORDER: Where your horse finished in the Melbourne Cup
DIVIDENDS: How much did the winner, trifecta and first four pay?
WHO BACKED THE WINNER? The experts who nailed it
BIGGEST BETS LANDED: Who cashed in on the Cup?
WHO GOT IT RIGHT?
DALE FINUCANE
1. Without a Fight
Why: I know nothing about it, but I’m backing Without A Fight – purely because it’s Irish!
THE REST
MICHAEL HUSSEY
1. Gold Trip
2. Ashrun
3. Alenquer
Why: They are all good Aussie jockeys!
MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
1. Absurde
Why: People say I know nothing about rugby league. Well I know even less about racing. No. 7 Absurde because he is a key member of the spine.
BILLY MOORE
1. Vauban
Why: The jockey is Ryan Moore. Keep it in the family!
DAMIEN COOK
1. Gold Trip
Why: Proven winner of this race and in great form again this spring.
Win/Place: Military Mission
Why: Has done well for me this spring and got him as an each way bet this race at great odds. Only 51 kgs too will finish strong.
ALYSSA HEALY
1. Absurde
Why: With the Beckham documentary going bananas you’d be silly not to back a number 7 horse. Plus the added benefit of a sick name and cool silks with a nod to the Sixers during WBBL period. Looks too good to be true!
BEN ELIAS
1. Vow and Declare
Why: Omen bet for the mighty Tigers in 2024!!!
SPUDD CARROLL
1. Cleveland (#10)
Why: Easy. Ten is my favourite number.
GEOFF TOOVEY
1. Magical Lagoon
Why: Good odds and I need the cash!
MICHAEL VAUGHAN
1. Vauban
2. Absurde
3. More Felons
Why: Vauban because it sounds like Vaughan.
MARK HOWARD
1. Vauban
2. Vow and Declare
3. Gold Trip
Why: I like the two past winners but it’s hard to knock the favourite.
NATHAN HINDMARSH
1. Absurde (#7)
Why: My wife’s birthday is on the 7th!
1. More Felons
2. Gold Trip
3. Absurde
BRAITH ANASTA
Ashrun
Why: Going for value and raced well in the Cup in 2020 before getting injured.
Vauban
Why: The favourite.
Gold Trip
Why: Last year’s winner and we know he can run 3200m.
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