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From 21st to first: Cross Counter's stunning Melbourne Cup-winning run

Yahoo Sport Australia

Stunning overhead footage has detailed just how incredible it was for Cross Counter to come from behind and win the 2018 Melbourne Cup.

The four-year-old, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, took home the $4 million prize for the renowned Godolphin stable.

But the British-trained winner trailed the pack for much of the race before producing a monumental comeback.

Through the final turn Cross Counter sat 21st of the remaining 23 runners.

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The field spread as soon as the horses hit the straight – but by then McEvoy was already making his move.

“It’s so fascinating watching it all back again,” race analyst Francesca Cumani said on Channel 7.

“Look how the field just fanned out like that as everyone went for their runs. Marmelo managed to get a sneaky run up the inside.

“And he was, what, two or three lengths ahead of Cross Counter as he was coming with his run.

No wonder Kerrin McEvoy was happy with his Melbourne Cup victory – just look at where Cross Counter sat around the last turn. Pic: Channel 7/Getty
No wonder Kerrin McEvoy was happy with his Melbourne Cup victory – just look at where Cross Counter sat around the last turn. Pic: Channel 7/Getty

“But you’ve got to say, weight came into play here – Marmelo under a bigger weight than Cross Counter. Cross Counter had the really fresh legs, only his eighth start in a race.

“What a run from Cross Counter from that position, fanning out wide and managing to sustain a really long run down the straight.”

Channel 7 host Bruce McAvaney dug into his memory bank to claim the Melbourne Cup had not seen such a winning run since Kiwi in 1983.

While heavy rain and a soft track had made most question their plan, McEvoy said it was never part of his to sit so far back before making his move.

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“I was back a bit further than what I wanted,” the jockey said.

“I had to go my own way and we were full of running. I thought ‘mate, is this happening again?’

“And yeah look, I’m just lucky I can ride light on these lovely stayers prepared unbelievably well by Godolphin and Charlie Appleby.”

Racing fans watching at home were in disbelief over McEvoy’s ride:

Cross Counter’s rise to racing fame

STARTS: 8

WINS: 5

PLACINGS: 2

PRIZE MONEY: $4,530,285

FIRST START

Won: Wolverhampton – 2YO 1740m Dec 9, 2017

Won: Wolverhampton – 3YO 1905m Jan 22, 2018

Second: Sandown Park – Novice 2002m June 7, 2018

Fourth: Royal Ascot – 3YO – 2406m June 21, 2018

Won: Ascot – 3YO – 2406m July 14, 2018

Won: Goodwood – Group Three Gordon Stakes 2412m Aug 4, 2018

Second: York – Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes 2385m Aug 22, 2018

MELBOURNE CUP

Won: Flemington 3200m Nov 6, 2018 beating Marmelo and A Prince Of Arran

with AAP