Hyperion’s predictions for the 2006 Melbourne Cup : “After three Melbourne Cups that have seen mare Makybe Diva become the first racehorse to win the Cup three times, we could have expected an unexceptional Cup in 2006. But this year’s race shapes up as a potential classic. Two horses stand out in our view.

Tawqeet was a special Caulfield Cup winner and displayed fantastic speed at the business end of the race after getting out of some dreadful trouble in running. The Hayes stable is in fine form and the momentum seems to be with Tawqeet, who has a superb chance to become the twelfth dual Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner. He is well drawn, carries 55.5 kgs and we would be surprised if he does not feature among the first runners to cross the line.

This year’s foreign challenge is led by Yeats, a top class stayer who won this year’s Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cups before coming second in the Irish St Leger over a month ago.

On the downside Yeats does not have the benefit of a run and win in Australia that Media Puzzle had in 2002 but he is an accomplished winner at the highest level. In addition, top UK jockey Kieren Fallon has been here working with the horse for a decent time. Yeats is more of a powerful galloper than a fast finisher and the risk for Yeats is that Fallon lets him go too early in the straight. Yeats needs to be several lengths ahead in the last 200 metres to prevent the likes of Tawqeet passing him before the post. Two miles is probably a bit on the short side for this accomplished stayer but he can handle the 59 kgs he is set to carry and we expect him to win from Tawqeet in second, becoming the third overseas winner in recent times following Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle. If Fallon judges the race correctly and the going is not fast, “Hyperion” can see Yeats winning by three lengths or more.

Of the others, Railings did not run well in last year’s Cup after winning the 2005 Caulfield Cup so there is little to support him after a disappointing year. Headturner is more enigmatic but underperformed on Saturday and is best avoided. The Cup seems to be the bogey event for Godolphin and, for the second year running,they have no runner after Imperial Stride’s lacklustre run in the Mackinnon.

For third and fourth we like Pop Rock and Geordieland, who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori, fresh from his outstanding double at the Breeders Cup in Kentucky. “Hyperion” recommends a trifecta with Yeats and Tawqeet as winners and Pop Rock and Geordieland for the places. Maybe Better is next best.

Efficient won the Derby yesterday in fine fashion but we think it is too much to expect the three year old to win over 3200 metres on Tuesday. No three year old has won the Cup since Skipton in 1941.

For those that like omens, Tawqeet is owned by Sheikh Hamdan, whose Invasor won yesterday’s Breeders Cup Classic.

One final point regarding betting, some UK bookies are offering a place on 1,2,3 AND 4th and this is something the TABs need to consider in order to keep ahead of the game.” (Robert Bishop)