50/1 Melburnian so close to landing major shock

Melburnian made everyone sit up and take notice after coming so close to landing a 50/1 win.

The Rebecca Menzies trained mare was in a right battle at Newcastle, before pulling clear - only to be collared on the line by the fast finishing Appier.

It was a tremendous run from our seven-year-old, with trainer and owners expecting her to need this run ahead of a winter campaign.

But she showed she retains all her ability and came so close to landing the odds at 50/1.

Paddy Mathers, who gave her a brilliant ride, said: “She travelled really well. She took a couple of deep breaths and when we hit the three pole, I thought ‘we may go and win this’.

“When the horse came to me, she found an extra gear and went on, but that other one just flew up the inside and away.

“She hasn’t been knocked about here at all. She will have plenty of options for winter, you could come back here too.”

Rebecca added: “I was absolutely delighted. She showed her attitude there, she tries so hard. She got into the final furlong and put her head down and got on with it.

“She will take a good blow from that and another two or three weeks and we will have a good winter with her.

“We will want to keep her fresh, but that was spot on, I am really pleased.”