Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tomorrow, for the race that stops the nation, many punters will follow the form and others will look at the state of the track. But others will simply look at the horses' names for an omen bet—and in this year's field there is certainly plenty of choice. With the American President due in Australia in a couple weeks, the favourite, Americain, despite the wide barrier draw, looks a good omen bet.

But there are others. After the spending policy of this government, Drunken Sailor is surely worth a look. And do not overlook Modun, named after a former Mongolian emperor who in the year 209 BC seized power after shooting an arrow into the back of a former leader. Now, there's an omen bet if ever I have seen one! And then there is Tullamore, named after a beautiful town in the Central-West region of New South Wales. Tullamore is just a couple of stops along the train line from Bogan Gate, so I would expect to see some late money coming in from the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Fox Hunt must also be in with a show as most are predicting the traditional Labor leadership fox hunt will commence at any time. Then, of course, there is Jukebox Jury, after receiving a lot of support from New South Wales Labor MPs inspired by their colleagues in the New South Wales parliament hitting the random select button to choose their Premier on many occasions. So there are six for a box trifecta for tomorrow's Melbourne Cup: Americain, Drunken Sailor, Modun, Tullamore, Fox Hunt and Jukebox Jury—six great omen bets.