Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente’s disappointing performance in last Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes has re-ignited debate over which horse is likely to be crowned the 2013/2014 Australian Horse Of The Year.

Sportingbet.com.au has installed Fiorente as the marginal $2.50 favourite, but unlike previous years, there’s a number of other strong contenders.

Boban ($2.70), Buffering ($6.00) and Lankan Rupee ($8) all have genuine claims with the Sydney Autumn Carnival likely to determine the frontrunner.

“Fiorente’s failure last weekend has thrown this wide open,” William Hill’s Andrew Brown said.

“Fiorente has Boban breathing down his neck with three Group 1 wins to his name and he looks tough to beat in Saturday’s George Ryder. Buffering also has three Group 1’s and he could end up on five across four states if he takes out the TJ Smith and carries that form to Brisbane.”

Earthquake is a $10 chance in front of It’s A Dundeel at $11.

For Sportingbet’s 2013/14 Australian Horse Of The Year market visit https://www.williamhill.com.au/horse-racing-features

2013/14 Australian Horse Of The Year

WilliamHill.com.au market

Fiorente $2.50

Boban $2.70

Buffering $6.00

Lankan Rupee $8.00

Earthquake $10.00

It’s A Dundeel $11.00

Shamus Award $15.00

Zoustar $26.00

Any other horse $26.00