A one-two punch from stablemates First Courrier and Feisty Fox floored favourite backers as Robert and Luke Price got off to the perfect start on Melbourne Cup day at Kembla Grange.
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The Prices' duo caused a minor boil-over when they knocked off the Bjorn Baker-trained D'Oro Rain ($1.45) and fought out the finish in the Genesis Shellharbour Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m).
Aided by a perfect ride from Jess Taylor, First Courrier ($6) edged out Feisty Fox ($9.50) by a half neck, with Gwenda Markwell's Bolord ($9) a 1-1/4 lengths back in third.
"First Courrier horse only got beat a whisker in a pretty strong race at Hawkesbury when he was first up and was a bridesmaid all preparation so it's a good way to start," Co-trainer Luke Price said.
"Feisty Fox was still as honest as they come. She just over-raced a bit probably mid race which cost her the last 100m.
"Going forward they are both going well so it's a good way to start Cup day.
"I thought they were out best chances all day, but you can only wait and see."
Despite a soft lead, D’Oro Rain folded up badly over the final 150m and finished second last. Meanwhile, Jess Taylor completed a double for the day when she booted home So Magic in the last.
