Yucatan given stall 23 in bid for Melbourne Cup glory

Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite Yucatan has been given a wide draw in stall 23 in a bid to give trainer Aidan O'Brien a first win in the show-stopping race.

The four-year-old colt, who won the Herbert Power Stakes last month, is now a best-priced 9-2 with Ladbrokes to land the Group 1 contest.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Yucatan’s poor draw has meant we’ve eased his price. However the one we are really worried about is Magic Circle who has been the best backed all year.”

Owner Nick Williams, who was philosophical about the tricky draw, said: "I don't think it matters in this race. I'd have been a lot more concerned if he'd been drawn barrier one."

"I think the horse is going very well and there's no point worrying about it."

In the last decade only two horses have won the Melbourne Cup with a draw higher than stall 13.

Rostropovich, fifth behind Winx in the Cox Plate on his latest start, has been drawn in stall 21, while The Cliffsofmoher has been given stall nine.

Godolphin runners Cross Counter, Best Solution and Avilius will start from stalls 19, 11 and six respectively, with the former Andre Fabre-trained Finche in stall 15. Ebor Cup victor Muntahaa has been given stall 13.

Trainer Ian Williams, whose Magic Circle has been drawn in stall 17, said: "It's what we've got so we will deal with it. I think stall one would be far worse for him."

Ladbrokes odds:

9/2 Yucatan

6 Magic Circle

8 Cross Counter

10 Best Solution

12 Avilius

12 The Cliffsofmoher

14 Marmelo

14 Youngstar

16 A Prince Of Arran

16 Red Cardinal

16 Finche

20 bar

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