Punch fine after Cup flight Melbourne Cup hope Persian Punch has recovered from his arduous journey to Australia for next month`s Stg#1.3million Flemington feature, it was revealed today.After spending 38 hours on his feet, the David Elsworth-trained Persian Punch arrived in Melbourne safe and sound on Monday for his second attempt to win the Cup.The eight-year-old finished third in the big race to Jezabeel three years ago and is currently in the best form of his career.'I heard from Ross Arnott (head lad) this morning and he said the horse is two years younger than the last time he was there,' said Elsworth.In recent starts, Persian Punch has won the Group Two Goodwood Cup and the Group Three Lonsdale Stakes at York, as well as finishing a head-second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and an unlucky fourth in the Irish St Leger.British punters have latched on to Persian Punch and have backed Elsworth`s tough campaigner from 25-1 in to 16-1 for the race.David Hood, public relations manager for William Hill, said: 'We know Persian Punch has class on his side and was only beaten three-quarters of a length when third in the race three years ago.'This year he has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with, with his wins in the Lonsdale Stakes and Goodwood Cup and punters are being patriotic with their support.'Melbourne Cup betting: 11-4 Universal Prince, 9-1 Native Jazz, 10-1 Kaapstad Way, 16-1 Marienbard, Persian Punch (from 25-1), Primrose Sands, Sale Of Century, 20-1 Big Pat, Ethereal, Freemason, The Secondmortgage, 25-1 bar.
