On the first Tuesday in October, it’s apparent bookmakers believe Australian gallopers will come up empty in the Cox Plate and the Caulfield – Melbourne Cups double.

TABSportsbet has elevated Jimmy Choux (NZ) to head its Cox Plate market after his sensational victory in the G1 NZB Spring Classic (2040m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Imported stayer December Draw (Ire) is a short-priced $2.70 favourite to complete a G1 double in the Turnbull Stakes – Caulfield Cup on October 15.

And 2010 Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer (NZ) can emulate Efficient (NZ) by winning the Melbourne Cup a month from today.  He is the $9 favourite while Absolutely (Redoute’s Choice) is the shortest-priced local at $17.

JIMMY CHOUX looked a million dollars on Saturday and was always travelling like a winner in his final preliminary on home soil.  “Not bad, was it,” trainer John Bary said at Hastings.  “Tell the Aussies we will be over there next week.”

Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park) worked into the clear in the home straight and cruised home to the roar of the crowd at Hastings.  At no stage did Johnathan Riddell go for the whip, preferring instead to push with hands and heels as his charge flew home.

Bred and owned by Richard and Liz Wood, Jimmy Choux has won five Group 1 events and is scheduled to fly from Auckland to Melbourne this coming Saturday.

DECEMBER DRAW (Medecis) defeated fellow Irish bred stayer Glass Harmonium (Verglas) in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on Sunday.  Perth galloper Playing God was well-beaten in third place.

After winning three races at minor venues in England, December Draw has won five races from six starts in Australia.  His part-owner also races Cox Plate contender My Kingdom Of Fife who won the G3 Craven Plate at Randwick on Saturday.

LION TAMER ran a slashing fourth first-up in New Zealand in August and then gave the beaten division no excuses in the G1 Underwood Stakes last month.  

He will firm even further for the first Tuesday in November with another forward performance in the G1 Caulfield Stakes this Saturday.

Lion Tamer (Storming Home) missed the autumn with a hock injury but has been in work since May.  His owner Phil Bayly ran second with My Blue Denim in the 1980 Melbourne Cup.