A sensational Cup eve plunge on English stayer Mount Athos has seen the Luca Cumani trained galloper join Americain and Dunaden as equal Melbourne Cup favourites at $7.50 with Sportingbet Australia.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the late move for Mount Athos has been significant.

“We’ve written more tickets on Mount Athos today than any other runner in the race and the volume has been enormous,” Sullivan said.

“There’s been one bet of $10,000 on Mount Athos and plenty of smaller yet significant wagers and they just keep chipping away at it,” Sullivan said.

“Of the three equal favourites Mount Athos is the most likely to start favourite tomorrow if this late money is any indication.”

Dunaden has also attracted heavy support from Sportingbet Australia punters on Melbourne Cup eve including one bet of $20,000 at $7.50.

Americain has been the big drifter, despite heavy support that saw the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner’s price touch $5.00 late yesterday.

Red Cadeaux is $11 into $9 with bets including $18,000 and $7,000 placed on last year’s runner up today.

2012 Melbourne Cup
Sportingbet Australia Market
Americain $7.50 (was $5.50)
Mount Athos $7.50 (was $9)
Dunaden $7.50 (was $8.00)
Red Cadeaux $9 (was $11.00)
Maluckyday $14 (was $11)
Green Moon $17 (was $16)
Galileos Choice $15 (was $21)
My Quest For Peace $19
Kelinni $19 (steady)
Lights Of Heaven $19 (was $26)
Ethiopia $21 (was $19)
Mourayan $23 (was $21)
Fiorente $34 (was $21)
Calvaryman $36 (was $51)
Zabeelionaire $51 (was $34)
Tac De Boistron $67 (was $34)
Winchester $51 (was $41)
Jakkalberry $51 (steady)
Sanagas $51 (steady)
Glencadam Gold $51 (steady)
Niwot $51 (steady)
Precedence $101 (was $81)
Voila Ici $151 (steady)
Unusual Suspect $301 (steady)