Bruised bookies expecting big betting move for Al Riffa
Al Riffa may have a weight a Melbourne Cup winner hasn’t carried for 57 years, but bookies expect he will be backed into favouritism by the time the race starts.
Bren O'Brien's Latest Articles
Mullins and Mott magic heads for Melbourne after Breeders’ Cup successes
Two international trainers hoping to secure historic Melbourne Cup successes tasted glory at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Del Mar.
Godolphin, Zahra and Maher enjoy a Derby day for the ages
Godolphin’s stunning Australian resurgence saw it claim both three-year-old features of the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, while Pride Of Jenni wound back the clock with a brilliant front-running performance in the Empire Rose Stakes.
‘That ooh la la feeling ‘ – Autumn Glow makes it eight straight in Golden Eagle
James McDonald continues to be amazed by extraordinary unbeaten four-year-old Autumn Glow, who easily made in eight straight wins in the $10 million Golden Eagle.
Favourable alley has Half Yours a firming Melbourne Cup favourite
Local hero Half Yours is set to start favourite for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup after drawing barrier eight.
Breeders’ Cup glory for O’Brien, Gstaad and Starspangledbanner
Aidan O'Brien surpassed D. Wayne Lukas as the Breeders' Cup's most successful trainer with an Australian flavoured victory on the first day at Del Mar.
Munz joins MRC committee as Fullarton wins permanent CEO gig
Jonathan Munz has joined the Melbourne Racing Club committee as vice-chairman, while Tanya Fullarton has been appointed permanant Chief Executive Officer of the Club.
Third-party arbitrage – Bowling in the social media age
The art of bowling - betting on someone else’s behalf – is as old as the profession of bookmaking itself. But the subterfuge of the past has evolved dramatically, with punters now being openly offered large cash amounts in exchange for access to their betting and bank accounts, writes Bren O’Brien.
Vin Cox’s next move: Star Thoroughbreds secures former Yulong boss in key bloodstock role
Vin Cox, who departed Yulong earlier this year, will fulfil a key bloodstock advisory role for syndicator Star Thoroughbreds.
Thrice the appetite – Waterhouse-Bott in Tattersalls triple play
Three sons of Wootton Bassett fit the bill for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale at Newmarket, while Annabel Neasham uncovered her Cups horse for 2026.
