Why Francesca Cumani is siding with a pair of internationals in this year’s Melbourne Cup

Esteemed racing broadcaster Francesca Cumani has given her tips for the 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

Cumani is close to the action when it comes to all the UK horses that make their way to Australia for the race that stops a nation and is siding with the internationals in this year’s edition.

The Willie Mullins-trained Vauban disappointed as Cup favourite last year when finishing 14th but Cumani is confident that his “wizard” of a trainer can get things right this year.

Another key runner for the Irishman is Absurde who ran seventh last year and can improve this time around.

“I’m leaning towards the Willie Mullins pair Absurde and Vauban,” Cumani told SENTrack’s Giddy Up.

“He’s nearly won a Melbourne Cup with Max Dynamite a couple of times (second in 2015, third in 2017).

“Willie Mullins is an absolute wizard, he’s just sensational.

“I think he learned a lot from last year and I know you were all really disappointed with them. They’ve changed things up this year.

“Vauban in particular has improved a lot back home, so I think he’s the one for me.”

Vauban is currently rated a $7 chance with Sportsbet for Tuesday’s Cup while Absurde is at $12 for the Group 1 handicap over two miles.

William Buick is set to ride Vauban at 55.5kg while three-time Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy will partner with Absurde who will carry 52.5kg.

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