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If the current trend continues Irish stayer Yucatan Ire will hold his spot at the head of the Melbourne Cup market but favourites have a poor record in the great race.

Just four favourites in the last 20 years have won, with the most recent Fiorente ($7.00) in 2012.

Prior to that, it was Makybe Diva when she won her third consecutive Cup at $4.50.

During the same period just three favourites have finished in the first three, the most recent was Hartnell ($5.50) in 2015.

Last year’s winner Rekindling started at $15 while favourite, $8.50 Marmelo who was heavily supported, finished ninth.

Prince of Penzance is the longest priced winner in recent years, starting at $101 in 2015.

CUP FAVOURITES

Year Fav /Finish Odds

2017 Marmelo 9th $8.50

2016 Hartnell 3rd $5.50

2015 Fame Game 13th $5.00

2014 Admire Rakti 22nd $5.50

2013 Fiorente WON $7.00

2012 Dunaden 14th $7.00

2011 Americain 5th $5.00

2010 So You Think 3rd $3.00

2009 Alcopop 6th $4.80

2008 Mad Rush 7th $5.50

“If history is any guide a favourite is overdue for a win and punters obviously think Yucatan can finally break the drought.

"The Aidan O’Brien trained entire has received massive support and even though the Cup is a wide betting race Yucatan could start even shorter,’’ said Sportsbet's Will Byrne.

Melbourne Cup

$4.50 Yucatan Ire

$10 Magic Circle

$10 Cross Counter

$13 Avilius

$13 Muntahaa

$15 Best Solution

$17 The Cliffsofmoher

$19 Youngstar

$19 Marmelo

$21 Rostropovich

$26 Red Verdon

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