Since co-owner Nick Williams drew barrier 23 at the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup barrier draw on Saturday night the Aidan O'Brien trained Yucatan (IRE) has drifted as favourite with TAB.com.au from $4.50 to $5 for Tuesday’s 3200m race at Flemington. 

James McDonald rides the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes winner with 54.5kg.

Since the barrier draw took place, the most popular runner has been the Ian Williams trained Magic Circle (IRE), Corey Brown with 56kg and barrier 17, who shares the second line of betting with Charlie Appleby's Cross Counter (GB) at $9. Appleby combines with Kerrin McEvoy with 51kg from barrier 19.

”Aside from the support for Magic Circle, the biggest firmer following the barrier draw has been Cross Counter, who has shortened from $11 to $9,” TAB’s Trent Langskaill said.

The third and fourth best backed horses after the barrier draw (Yucatan has been the second most popular) have been Youngstar, $16, and Best Solution (IRE) at $13.

“Before the barriers were determined, one punter placed $5,000 at $17 on Youngstar yesterday, while another customer had $5,000 at $15 on Best Solution, who won the Caulfield Cup at his last start,” Langskaill said.

TAB’s MARKET FOR THE 2018 MELBOURNE CUP

Yucatan                                                                              $5 ($4.50 after the barrier draw)
Magic Circle                                                                        $9
Cross Counter                                                                    $9 ($11 after the barrier draw)
Muntahaa                                                                           $11
Best Solution                                                                      $13
Avilius                                                                               $13
The Cliffsofmoher                                                               $16 ($15 after the barrier draw)
Marmelo                                                                            $16 ($17 after the barrier draw)
Youngstar                                                                          $16 ($17 after the barrier draw)
A Prince Of Arran                                                               $17 ($15 after the barrier draw)
Finche                                                                               $26
Ventura Storm                                                                   $26
Rostropovich                                                                      $26
Others Quoted                                                                   $34+