Betfair’s King of the Bush series is a cliff-hanger with the final three heats of the series set down for Melbourne Cup day at Echuca, Wangaratta and Mildura.

Caulfield trainer Luke Oliver leads the competition on 22 points ahead of Daryl Cannon (18), Robert Smerdon (15), Brendan McCarthy (14), Peter Moody (10) and Colin and Cindy Alderson (10).

There are 25 points available in each leg so the potential exists for any trainer to come from the clouds to win the $25,000 first prize.

Oliver Racing spokesman Steve Leoni indicated they were keen to deflect attention and fly under the radar in the lead-up to the finale.  “We’ve been hearing rumours here at Caulfield that Robert Smerdon is really keen to chase the prize and has the ammo to do so,” Leoni said.  “Fingers crossed we can win and then celebrate.”

The Betfair King of the Bush series began at Bairnsdale on September 26 and has since made its way across six Betfair-sponsored racetracks throughout country Victoria.  The overall winner will be crowned at a presentation at Betfair Dunkeld races on November 13.

Further information about the Betfair King of the Bush – including news, schedules, results, standings and information for trainers – can be found at www.kingofthebush.com.au.