It’s fair to say that no jockey comes into today’s Melbourne Cup in better form than James McDonald.
The New Zealand jockey — otherwise known as J-Mac — tuned up for the race that stops a nation with no less than four winners on Derby Day, including Stormy Marco in the Victoria Derby (G1, 2,500m) and star mare Lady Shenandoah in the Empire Rose Stakes (G1, 1,600m). He rides Trustyourinstinct for Joseph O’Brien, and a win would give him his second Cup.
There are a number of other jockeys who are looking for their second Cup victory.
These include Craig Williamswho won on Vow and Declare in 2019 and is on board James J Braddock; and Robbie Dolanthe all-singing, all-riding Irishman can make it two if Knight’s Choice follows up Dolan’s win on … Knight’s Choice two years ago.
There’s also Jamie Melhamwho won last year on Half Yours. She can make it two on Future History.
Jamie Melham’s husband Ben Melham is again a rival, as he tries to earn his first Cup aboard abroad
Of course, Mark Zahra can trump them all with a third, if he wins on Middle Earth to add to his wins in 2022 and 2023 (Gold Trip and Without A Fight).
Aside from Ben Melham there are 17 other jockeys hoping to add their names to the Melbourne Cup honour roll for the first time.
If Sons And Lovers (Dylan Brown McMonagle), Half year (Ray Dawson), or Goodie Two Shoes (Wayne Lordan) win, then whichever jockey wins will be the first international jockey since Ryan Moore on Protectionist in 2014 to win the Cup.
If So You Are wins, then Rachel King will become the third woman to ride a Cup winner after Michelle Payne (2015) and Jamie Melham last year.
If Mr Monaco salutes, then Jabez Johnstone will not only join the honour roll, he will become the first apprentice to win the Cup since 16-year-old Ray Neville on Rimfire back in 1948.
The other prospective first-timers are Jordan Childs (Vauban), Ben Allen (Royal Supremacy), Damian Lane (Wine Dark Sea), Sam Clipperton (Juja Kibo), Zac Lloyd (Hopewell Rock), Declan Bates (Onesmoothoperator), Tommy Berry (Soul of Spain), Beau Mertens (Kizlyar), Ethan Brown (Point of Law), Michael Dee (Strictly Business), William Pike (Zakouma) and Harry Coffey (Shockletz).
Source: www.abc.net.au
