Bowman expecting big Melbourne Cup run from Marmelo

Three Cox Plates but no Melbourne Cup. That is something Hugh Bowman would love to change next Tuesday and he is confident Marmelo can mount a serious challenge at Flemington.

Bowman put the finishing touches to Marmelo's Melbourne Cup preparation at Werribee on Thursday morning, giving the four-year-old his last serious gallop at the international quarantine centre before the big day, and he was chuffed with the workout.

Hughie Morrison's Marmelo is equally happy with his new surroundings according to groom Tom Pirie.Credit: Patrick McCann

"I was really, really pleased," beamed Bowman. "He's not here to reinvent the wheel at this stage, it's just a case of ticking over, but he did everything well and I couldn't have been happier.

"He's right where you'd want him. I hadn't sat on him since before the Caulfield Cup and he feels as though he's improved. The signs are really good."

Marmelo shot to the summit of the Melbourne Cup market following his fast-finishing sixth [recorded the fastest closing sectionals] in the Caulfield Cup over an inadequate mile and a half and, unsurprisingly, Bowman feels the extra distance on Tuesday will play to his strengths.

"His Caulfield Cup was really eyecatching," he continued. "I was pleased with the way he coped with the whole day at Caulfield and that gives me great confidence heading into the Melbourne Cup.

"He half-missed the start and I didn't want to drive him mad but next week I expect him to be closer in the run."

He added: "His form suggests he's much better over a bit further than the 2,400m [of the Caulfield Cup]. I'm expecting a big run from him."

Marmelo is currently 11-2 favourite with Ladbrokes but is available at 8-1 with bet365, Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook.

Last year's winner Almandin, the mount of Frankie Dettori, is the general favourite at a best-priced 13-2.

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