Without a Fight claimed victory in the 2023 Melbourne Cup in a stunning manner, achieving a rare Australian horse racing double and confirming jockey Mark Zahra's wise decision regarding which horse to ride.
Zahra opted for Without a Fight over Gold Trip, the horse he had triumphed with in the previous Melbourne Cup. This choice proved to be the correct one, as Without a Fight, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, replicated their success from the Caulfield Cup just a month prior, securing victory in the 163rd edition of the $8 million, 3200m race at Flemington with odds of $7.
Soulcombe, with odds of $10, impressed by finishing second despite a slow start, while the outsider Sheraz, with odds at $126, achieved a surprising third-place finish. Ashrun came in fourth. Despite being a favorite, Irish raider Vauban disappointed by finishing 14th, a significant 13 lengths behind the winner.
Full finishing order
1st: 3. Without A Fight. $9.10, $3.30
2nd: 6. Soulcombe. $3.40
3rd: 14. Sheraz. $17.40
4th: 11. Ashrun
5th: 12. Daqiansweet Junior
6th: 22. Interpretation
7th: 7. Absurde
8th: 24. True Marvel
9th: 9. Vow And Declare
10th: 17. Military Mission
11th: 13. Okita Soushi
12th: 20. More Felons
13th: 15. Lastotchka
14th: 5. Vauban
15th: 21. Future History
16th: 4. Breakup
17th: 1. Gold Trip
18th: 19. Virtuous Circle
19th: 18. Serpentine
20th: 23. Kalapour
21st: 2. Alenquer
22nd: 16. Magical Lagoon
23rd: 8. Right You Are (failed to finish)
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