Max Hitchins, aka Melbourne Cup Max, veteran hotelier, chairman of the 15 Club and author of ‘How To Pick The Winner Of The 2023 Melbourne Cup’, has penned some prose on this year’s big race, set to run at the usual time on the first Tuesday in November.
Max is the son of a bookmaker in the wider west NSW town of Moree, who was known to say “time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted”.
To this end the younger Hitchins spends around 400 hours each year focussing on the candidates, fitness and chances of all the entrants in one special race, the Melbourne Cup.
It’s Cup Time of Year
It’s that time of year for the girls to dress up
Of course, we all know, it’s time for the Cup.
Horses and jockeys from all ‘round the place
Are coming together for the big race.
A horse named Absurde, strange name indeed
Though they say that he is a very fast steed.
Gold Trip is back for another Cup try
This horse, in ‘The Turnbull’…WOW he did fly.
Lastotchka from France is late on the scene
Paid a late payment fee … owners are keen
Chris Waller’s horse … his name is Soulcombe
Will be there at the finish … explodes like a bomb.
Zac Purton, Ryan Moore … could fight it out
Jaymac and Jamie are up for the bout
Holly’s horse’s name is Future History
This Irish lassie … her form is no mystery.
The favourite Vauban has the very best form
An amazing horse … he runs like a storm.
His Irish-born trainer, who’s first name is Willie
If Vauban does fail, he’s sure to feel silly.
For all losing trainers, go down like a rocket
While punters, you know, talk up through their pocket.
One thing is for sure, and no flamin’ fear
We’ll all be back again, same time next year.
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Hitchins was tight-lipped on any further tips for 2023, pointing to his online guide PickTheCupWinner and suggesting punters tilt their head and ponder the fact that not every fairy tale finds a frog.