Yesterday saw the first strong tip that Makybe Diva is heading to the Melbourne Cup.
First the news broke that the champion mare's owner Tony Santic was spending last night at trainer Lee Freedman's property at Rye on the Mornington Peninsula.
Then Glen Boss declared he was heading for Freedman's
private track this morning to ride Makybe Diva in a gallop.
Clearly there will be a three-way consultation late this morning.
Yesterday Freedman warned punters to hang off backing Makybe Diva to win her third straight Melbourne Cup until the decision was made on her immediate racing future.
Bookmakers, already stunned by their payouts on Makybe Diva in the Cox Plate, declared quiet Melbourne Cup betting yesterday.
"There has been no real money for Makybe Diva, but there has been no betting for the others either," said Brian Taylor of Doublebet.
"There is no money trail."
Regardless of Freeman's opinion of Makybe Diva's work this morning, he has already said he is not keen to run the mare on a firm track next Tuesday.
The New Zealand TAB odds yesterday: $4 Makybe Diva, $5 Leica Falcon, $6 Railings, $9 Eye Popper, $11 Vinnie Roe, $15 Xcellent. Other New Zealanders: $35 Bazelle, Vouvray, $60 Envoy.
Envoy is 26th in order of entry after the departures of Carte Diamond and Plastered.
Envoy has drawn four in the Saab Quality over 2500m on Saturday and will need to run well to convince trainer Ken Kelso he should be in the Cup field.
Kelso believes the horse needs the run to be fit enough for the Cup and he will have to show reasonable form in the Saab to warrant paying the final acceptance fee on Saturday night.
