31 Oct 2009
Since 1940 no two stallions have been more dominant in siring Melbourne Cup winners than the Cambridge Stud stallions Sir Tristram and Zabeel, siring three winners apiece. Gurners Lane (1982), Empire Rose (1988) and Brew (2000) won the race for Sir Tristram (pic right),
while Zabeel's (left) trio have been Might and Power (1997), Jezabeel (1998) and Efficient (2007).
Zabeel's opportunity to extend his remarkable Melbourne Cup record took a blow on Saturday when the favoured contender and former Cup winner Efficient was withdrawn from the race due to a leg problem. However Zabeel still has two hopes in the big race with Fiumicino and Zavite.
Fiumicino, who was bred by Graham de Gruchy in conjunction with Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan, goes into the race after a last start fifth in the Caulfield Cup. As a three-year-old he won the Australian Derby (2500m). Zavite won three black type races last season including the Adelaide Cup, which is run at the same distance (3200m) as the Melbourne Cup.