Punters have rushed to back Happy Trails after he drew an ideal barrier for Saturday’s Australian Cup at Flemington.

Happy Trails, who jumps from gate four, is now $4.50 favourite with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au. He has leap-frogged Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, now second pick at $5.50.

“Money was steady for Happy Trails, but once the draw came out there has been a lot of money for him. Protectionist is not forgotten, but Happy Trails is the one punters have really come for,’’ said sportsbet.com.au’s Shaun Anderson.

Melbourne Cup bridesmaid Red Cadeaux ($13) has also received solid support. Chris Waller’s only runner Foreteller also has admirers at $10.

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Australian Cup

(Prices in brackets from Tuesday 10 March)
$4.50 Happy Trails (in from $6.00)
$5.50 Protectionist (out from $5.00)

$9.00 Spillway (in from $12)
$10 Akzar (out from $9.00)

$10 Foreteller (in from $15)
$13 Mourinho (in from $13)

$13 Red Cadeaux (steady)

$15 The Cleaner (in from $26)
$16 Au Revoir (in from $26)

$26 Greatwood (in from $26)

$26 Puccini (steady)

Others quoted