Genuine Group-class performers and European imports the ones to follow

Key trends for the Melbourne Cup

• Winner of a Group or Graded race, ten winners in last ten runnings (two were Group/Grade 1 winners)
• Had won over at least 1m4f, 10/10 (two had won over 2m)
• Carried no more than 8st 9lb, 9/10
• Aged four or five, 8/10 (based on northern hemisphere ages)
• Highest previous RPR between 114 and 123, 7/10
• Drawn between five and 13, 7/10
• Top-four finish last time out, 7/10 (four won)
• Bred outside Australia and New Zealand, 6/10
• Had run in a recognised trial (Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Mackinnon Stakes, Geelong Cup, Turnbull Stakes), 6/10

Other factors
Record of trial winners – Caulfield Cup 87P0600; Cox Plate 3; Mackinnon Stakes 030; Geelong Cup 2011004; Turnbull Stakes 041003.

The Geelong Cup has been the most relevant trial in recent years, with winners since 2007 finishing 9201100 – the two to complete the double were the French-trained winners Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011).