The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup ran at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday the 5th of November 2024 as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) and was won in a stunning upset by the John Symons & Shelia Laxon-trained Knight’s Choice ($91)!
2024 Melbourne Cup Results
Knight’s Choice winning the 2024 Melbourne Cup at big odds. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- 1st: #11 Knight’s Choice
- 2nd: #4 Warp Speed
- 3rd: #12 Okita Soushi
- 4th: #14 Zardozi
The official Melbourne Cup 2024 results revealing the 2024 Melbourne Cup winner will be published right here once the race is run and won on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The John Symons & Shelia Laxon-trained Queenslander, Knight’s Choice ($91), flashed home from the back late with Robbie Dolan aboard to score a thrilling upset in the 2024 Melbourne Cup results narrowly denying the Japanese raider Warp Speed in a remarkable finish.
Okita Soushi for Ciaron Maher ran third with the James Cummings-trained mare Zardozi briefly looking the winner before holding for fourth.
Each year the finest Melbourne Cup horses take to the Flemington track on the first Tuesday of November in the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’. The Melbourne Cup field for the $8.56 million classic has a capacity of 24 runners that can run and look to add their name to the iconic list of Melbourne Cup winners.
Increasingly the Melbourne Cup horses that line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7 come for overseas.
BET ON THE 2024 MELBOURNE CUP HORSES
Early market betting odds on the 2025 Melbourne Cup will be displayed below once available. Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live markets, please visit ladbrokes.com.au.
2024 MELBOURNE CUP HORSE PROFILES
Once the Melbourne Cup 2024 horses are confirmed, below we will take a look over a few of the key contenders in the ‘race that stops a nation’.
Below punters can stay up-to-date Melbourne Cup horses of interest that have secured a run in the 24-horse feature race at Flemington.
Stay up to date with the confirmed 2024 Melbourne Cup jockeys below to see what jockeys are riding what horses in this year’s Melbourne Cup field.
- Update: No. 10 Athabascan (John O’Shea & Tom Charlton) has been scratched from the 2024 Melbourne Cup field on Monday afternoon after being found to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia in his mandatory final check by RV vets.
2024 MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS
2024 Melbourne Cup Final Field: Melbourne Cup Horses
The official Melbourne Cup 2024 Final Field & Barrier Draw is released on Saturday November 2, 2024 with the last round of acceptances closing at 4:30pm (local time) before the announcement is made live from Flemington post the VRC Derby Day racing.
The full list of 2024 Melbourne Cup Horses & Jockeys will be detailed below for punters as soon as released by Racing Victoria.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place on the evening of Saturday November 2, 2024 from 6:30pm (AEDT) and can be viewed live at Racing.com.
Melbourne Cup Ballot Exempt Races
There are currently eight races offering a “golden ticket” into the Melbourne Cup field with the following races offering the winners a ballot free ride for the famous Flemington feature.
International Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
- The Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup (3219m) – 2024 winner The Grey Wizard (not nominated)
- Listed Ebor Handicap (2816m) – 2024 winner Magical Zoe (non-first acceptor)
Australian Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
- Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) – 2024 winner Mark Twain (not nominated)
- Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m) – 2024 winner The Map
- Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) – 2024 Point King (withdrawn)
- Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) – 2024 Just Fine
- Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) – 2024 Duke De Sessa (not nominated)
- Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) – 2024 Via Sistina (not running)
2024 MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS
1. VAUBAN (FR) (10)
Vauban is an early favourite in 2024 Melbourne Cup betting. Photo: Steven Cargill / Racing.com
- Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
- Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
- Trainers: Mr Willie Mullins (Co. Carlow (IRE))
- Jockey: William Buick
- Weight: 55.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 10
- Owners: Mrs S Ricci
- Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 2023 – 14th beaten 13.35L behind Without A Fight (GB)
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $7
- Video: Vauban winning the 2024 Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York on August 23, 2024
Vauban, a highly anticipated horse with a strong reputation, faced challenges in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Despite his owner’s determination and trainer Willie Mullins’s strategic planning, Vauban’s performance fell short of expectations when he finished well behind some 13 lengths beaten as the pre-race favourite.
Since the 2023 Melbourne Cup, Vauban has participated in several European races, including the Yorkshire Cup and Ascot Gold Cup. Although he showed promise in these key events, he ultimately finished behind other strong contenders.
With the goal of redemption, Vauban is likely to return to Australia for another attempt at the Melbourne Cup after finally getting back to winning form at York on August 23.
Atoning for his recent third to the tearaway, Aidan O’Brien-trained Cup hopeful Tower Of London in the Curragh Cup, Vauban was gutsy off a nice William Buick ride relishing the extra distance of the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3319m). It was a narrow but convincing win there that put the writing on the wall for another shot at Australia’s best race.
Premier UK hoop William Buick booked for the ride.
Dour stayer out for redemption.
2. BUCKAROO (GB) (20)
Buckaroo is the best fancied of the Australian-trained Melbourne Cup 2024 contenders for Waller. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by FASTNET ROCK from ROHERYN (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Joao Moreira
- Weight: 54.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 20
- Owners: Mr A Kheir, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr J A O’Neill, YES Bloodstock, Carty Racing, A K Racing, Mr D Edmonds, Mr B D Nettlefold, Mr T R Maddern, Bromfield Park Pty Ltd
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $5.50
- Video: Buckaroo winning the 2024 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 21, 2024
- Latest Start: 2nd beaten 1.25 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Chris Waller looks to have a genuine 2024 Melbourne Cup contender with the imported Buckaroo working his way towards the event and up the betting charts with impressive performances down under.
The six-year-old son of Fastnet Rock has been in Australia since last October and has really come into his own this prep.
He surprised with a win second-up in the Group 2 Chelmsford over a mile before dominating Caulfield’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes with a 3.5 length romp home over a good field with 59kg at WFA.
Second next start just denied on the line by stablemate Via Sistina in Flemington’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and then went to 2400m in the Caulfield Cup running out of his skin for second to Duke De Sessa (not Melbourne Cup nominated) in the opening leg of the Spring Cups double.
He may be yet to win over 1800m making the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup a genuine query, but the bookies and fans are happy to take him, and he’s firmed into favourite now with the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira to ride.
Has to overcome barrier 20 but don’t think it’s as big an issue as some are making out.
Will he get the two miles? The bookies and punters say yes!
3. CIRCLE OF FIRE (GB) (23)
Sydney Cup 2024 winner Circle Of Fire saluted for the punters with an impressive two length triumph. Photo: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by ALMANZOR (FR) from FIERY SUNSET (GB)
- Age/Gender: 5YO horse
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
- Jockey: Mark Zahra
- Weight: 54.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 23
- Owners: Mr M Johnston, Mrs A J Johnston, Mr T N Porter, Mr H P Sambor, Eleven Royals, Shadwell Farm Racing, The Greene Machine, Mr A S Ingersole, Mr M J Burns, Mr B S David, B R A W Racing, Burning Ring, Mr T A Ginnane, Mr R McClure, Mr B G Noonan, Mr D J O’Connor, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Mr D J House, Mr W B Keighran, Madica
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $34 – BET NOW
- Video: Circle Of Fire winning the 2024 Schweppes Sydney Cup at Randwick on April 13, 2024
- Latest Start: 10th beaten 13.9 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Bred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Circle of Fire, a former Epsom Derby prospect trained by Sir Michael Stoute, has found a new lease on life under the care of Ciaron Maher.
After a promising start in England, Circle of Fire made a successful transition to Australia, showcasing his staying ability in the Chairman’s Quality. Star Italian jockey, Andrea Atzeni, then guided the horse to a tough Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) victory overcoming a three-deep run throughout to finish on top over the two miles.
Circle Of Fire relished the distance putting two lengths on them late, albeit with only 51.5kg. He’ll have more on his back in the Flemington equivalent but remains an all-in favourite in 2024 Melbourne Cup odds.
Did okay when ninth in the Turnbull. Got his chance to improve over further next-up in the Caulfield Cup but was one of the disappointments well out of the money.
Still think he can improve getting out to two miles so haven’t discounted him just yet!
Benefits from the booking of Mark Zahra who has ridden the past two Melbourne Cup winners with Gold Trip (2022) and Without A Fight (2023).
Suffered a nasty blow with the far outside alley (24 into 23).
Right distance, right trainer, could prove value at the 3200m.
4 WARP SPEED (JPN) (2)
Japanese raider Warp Speed is a genuine 2024 Melbourne Cup contender. Photo: Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by DREFONG (USA) from DEEP LOVE (JPN)
- Age/Gender: 6YO horse
- Trainer: Noboru Takagi (Japan)
- Jockey: Akira Sugawara
- Weight: 54.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 2
- Owners: Mr H Yamada
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $26
- Latest Start: 13th beaten 16.25 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Warp Speed is out to be the first Japanese trained Melbourne Cup winner since Delta Blues (2006) and was ticking plenty of boxes having arrived down under in terrific order.
The class stayer has winning form up to 3000m back home in Japan and was brave in the world-famous Group 1 Tenno Sho over the two miles when fourth behind the very good galloper T O Royal back in April.
Aussie race fans got their first official look at him down under in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19 and were left somewhat unimpressed.
He had a nice Caulfield hit out in the lead-up to that and pulled up nicely impressing his jockey, Kosi Kawakami.
Come race day however he couldn’t match the locals and was over 16 lengths off the winner crossing 13th in a real flop.
Barrier two (in from three) helps his cause.
Genuine weight-for-age stayer but may not be able to match it in the handicap Cups down under.
5. KOVALICA (NZ) (16)
Kovalica is one of the Chris Waller hopes in the Melbourne Cup 2024. Photo: Grant Peters.
- Breeding: by OCEAN PARK (NZ) from VITESSE (NZ)
- Age/Gender: 5YO gelding
- Trainer: Chris Waller (Mount Macedon)
- Jockey: Damian Lane
- Weight: 53.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 16
- Owners: Mr N Morgan, Mr D H T Devine
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $21
- Video: Kovalica winning the 2023 Group 1 Queensland Derby on May 27, 2024
- Latest Start: 6th beaten 11.8 lengths by Via Sistina in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) on October 26, 2024
Kovalica is one of the longer priced of the Waller contingent looking to recapture his form and win for the first time since the 2023 Queensland Derby.
He was huge last winter and good again in the spring with an Epsom second before things went amiss and he failed to beat home a single runner when 17th in the Golden Eagle.
Form since has been hit and miss but he has shown glimpses this prep with some eye-catching runs behind good horses including crossing just two lengths off Ceolwulf, who went on to win the King Charles, in this year’s Epsom.
His Group 2 Hill Stakes second was narrow, and the Cox Plate margin was blown out with his stablemate Via Sistina winning by eight lengths.
Looking fitter and will improve over further with Damian Lane booked for the ride.
Comes into barrier 16 which produced last year’s champion.
Will stay but prefer others from the stable.
6. SHARP ‘N’ SMART (NZ) (14)
Sharp ‘N’ Smart is one of the Kiwi-bred stayers in the 2024 Melbourne Cup field. Photo: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by REDWOOD (GB) from QUEEN MARGARET (NZ)
- Age/Gender: 5YO gelding
- Trainers: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson (Flemington)
- Jockey: Michael Dee
- Weight: 53.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 14
- Owners: Mr G A Rogerson, Mr C A Leishman, Mr T I Bawden, Mr M Butterworth, Mrs M Butterworth, Nz Thoroughbred Holdings Ltd, Mr M B Waddy
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $71
- Video: Sharp ‘N’ Smart winning the 2023 Group 1 New Zealand Derby at Te Rapa on March 4, 2023
- Latest Start: 3rd beaten 2.5 lengths by Okita Soushi in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 25, 2024
The Kiwis are in with a strong hand in this year’s Melbourne Cup including Sharp ‘N’ Smart at big odds to break his notably winning drought when up to two miles on the first Tuesday of November.
The Rogerson’s had a good young stayer with this so of Redwood winning a host of elite races here and across the Tasman as a three-year-old including the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in 2022 and Group 1 NZ Derby in 2023.
He was a VRC Derby runner-up but hasn’t won since March last year.
The now five-year-old was unable to keep in touch with Via Sistina – a subsequent eight-length Cox Plate champion at The Valley – when running a distant 13th in the Turnbull.
Improved under the lights in the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup running 3rd when giving weight away to Okita Soushi.
The two miles should suit, he’s got staying abilities and drops back to 53.5kg.
Michael Dee picks up the ride chasing his first victory.
Decent stayer who was a good 3YO looking to recapture form.
7. JUST FINE (IRE) (12)
Just Fine. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by SEA THE STARS (IRE) from BINT ALMATAR (USA)
- Age/Gender: 7yo Bay Gelding
- Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
- Jockey: Jye McNeil
- Weight: 53kg includes 0.5kg penalty (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 12
- Owners: MyRacehorse No. 1, Australian Chinese Jockey Club Racing 7, Mr P L Ward, Mr D R Fleming, Newfan Pty Ltd, Mrs P S Hall, Mr L M Nestadt, EST F P Hume, Mr T Danaher, Mr B Danaher, Mr R I Goldbloom
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $35
- Video: Just Fine winning the 2024 The Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 5, 2024
- Latest Start: 10th beaten 10.62 lengths by Okita Soushi in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 25
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Just Fine has won his way into the Melbourne Cup field via a narrow but impressive victory over Lexus Archer Stakes winner and fellow Melbourne Cup golden ticket holder Point King in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) on Turnbull Stakes Day.
Went around at big odds after a lead-up 10th in the Naturalism (2000m) but relished the extra distance and roomier Flemington track.
First win for the MyRacehorse syndicated import since his Group 1 The Metrop win 12 months earlier in Sydney.
Lovely ride by Jordan Childs to get this horse into the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’.
Didn’t show the same goods at The Valley on the tight circuit under the lights in the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup running dead last (10th) behind Okita Soushi to drift notably.
Still think he’s a chance though at the roomier Flemington circuit with Jye McNeil booked for the ride.
Genuine stayer for Waterhouse & Bott that can surprise at a price in the big one.
8. LAND LEGEND (FR) (17)
Land Legend (red silks) is out to hand Chris Waller a second Melbourne Cup trophy in 2024. Photo: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE) from LANDIKUSIC (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 5YO gelding
- Trainer: Chris Waller (Flemington)
- Jockey: Zac Purton
- Weight: 53kg includes 1kg penalty (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 17
- Owners: Legend Racing
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $18
- Video: Land Legend winning the 2024 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 5, 2024
- Latest Start: 3rd beaten 6.25 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Land Legend shapes up as a lovely-profiled import for the Waller stable in the Spring Cups down under.
He won Randwick’s St. Leger (2600m) by a big margin in his Aussie race debut to immediately put his hand up for the majors of the spring.
Forgotten somewhat after two unplaced runs in August and September but was back in winning form in Sydney’s Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) back up in trip.
Narrowly held out the mare Zardozi there and was only carrying 51kg but it was enough to see him penalised in the Melbourne Cup weights.
Hong Kong-based Zac Purton is down under for the ride on him firstly in the Caulfield Cup where he shined running a good (albeit distant) third behind Duke De Sessa and Buckaroo to stay in touch with Melbourne Cup betting.
Think he’ll be a genuine two-miler and could be one to get behind in the current markets on the 3200m Flemington feature.
Will stay. Another for Waller?
9. ABSURDE (FR) (6)
Absurde was a brave seventh in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup and is set to return in 2024. Photo: Healey Racing.
- Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
- Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
- Trainer: Mr Willie Mullins (Co. Carlow (IRE))
- Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
- Weight: 52.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 6
- Owners: HOS Syndicate
- Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 2023 – 7th beaten 5.45L behind Without A Fight (GB)
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $10
- Video: Absurde winning the 2023 Ebor Handicap at York on August 26, 2023
Absurde was a Golden Ticket contender last year after a barnstorming Ebor win but didn’t quite live up to the hype when five lengths beaten running seventh.
He looks set to return for a second crack at the world’s richest handicap and is being kept very safe in all-in betting on the Cup after impressing with 61kg to win the Listed Chester Stakes (2916m) recently back home.
It is a big ask for horses to travel down under on Australia’s biggest day of racing, and Absurde lost few admirers impressing with his manners at the pre-race Melbourne Cup parade. His run was full of merit and this jump racing star will take benefit from the previous trip.
Will be ridden by three-time winning hoop Kerrin McEvoy.
Second chance improver.
10. ATHABASCAN (FR) – SCRATCHED
11. KNIGHT’S CHOICE (5)
Knight’s Choice will be ridden by Robbie Dolan in the Melbourne Cup 2024. Photo: Just Racing.
- Breeding: by EXTREME CHOICE from MIDNIGHT PEARL
- Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
- Trainers: John Symons & Sheila Laxon (Sunshine Coast)
- Jockey: Robbie Dolan
- Weight: 51.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 5
- Owners: Mr C A Bain, Mrs K J Waldron, Mr R A Waldron
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101
- Latest Start: 5th beaten 5.16 lengths by Sea King in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on October 30
One of the rank outsiders in 2024 Melbourne Cup betting, the Sunshine Coast-based Knight’s Choice will be ridden by Robbie Dolan looking to improve on his disappointing Caulfield Cup flop when over 16 lengths beaten.
This five-year-old son of Extreme Choice hasn’t won a Black-Type race since the Group 3 Winx Guineas as a three-year-old last year and has been first past the post in just one start since.
Caught the eye in Brisbane over the winter with some good placings including a second behind Fawkner Park in The Q22 but has failed to impress this prep.
He has been racing against the Cup-bound hopes and finishing well back including a last place in the Turnbull in his only Flemington assignment to date.
Yet to win over further than 2000m and can’t see him finishing close.
Barrier 5 historically one of the best gates.
Out of form and out of contention!
12. OKITA SOUSHI (IRE) (9)
2024 Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi has booked his Melbourne Cup bid this November. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE) from AMICUS
- Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Jamie Kah
- Weight: 51kg – includes a 1.0 kg penalty (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 9
- Owners: Mrs A M Saini
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $21
- Video: Okita Soushi winning the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup at Moonee Valley on October 25, 2024
- Latest Start: 1st defeating Serpentine by 0.5 lengths in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) October 25
Irish-bred Okita Soushi raced into Melbourne Cup calculations with a quality half-length win under the lights at The Valley in the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500m.
The genuine stayer, now a seven-year-old, was 11th in last year’s Melbourne Cup results off a Caulfield Cup 12th in his opening two Australian starts.
He is now trained by master horseman Maher, has settled into his Aussie surrounds now and is working well towards a second shot at the 3200m classic.
The former Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding is proven over the two miles, was runner-up in the Herbert Power two back, and the Moonee Valley victory has him on track as a lightweight hope.
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup – Melbourne Cup double hasn’t been completed since Kingston Rule (1990) but the bookies have shortened Okita Soushi’s all-in quote dramatically to be the next.
Safely inside the Top 24 now with a 1kg penalty carrying 51kg.
Jamie Kah picked up the ride after her previous booking, Point King, was an early withdrawal.
Genuine two-mile horse on the improve ahead of his second shot!
13. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) (11)
Ladbrokes Geelong Cup 2024 winner Onesmoothoperator is on track for a Melbourne Cup bid. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by DIALED IN (USA) from SUENO D’ORO (USA)
- Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
- Trainer: Mr Brian Ellison (North Yorkshire (GB))
- Jockey: Craig Williams
- Weight: 51kg includes 1.0kg penalty (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 11
- Owners: Mr PD Boyle
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $8
- Video: Onesmoothoperator winning the 2024 Group 3 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup on October 23
- Latest Start: 1st by 2.25 lengths in the Group 3 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23
Another raider flew into Melbourne Cup contention with the Brian Ellison-trained British visitor Onesmoothoperator, 7th to Magical Zoe in August’s Ebor Handicap, making a big impact first-up down under to salute in the Ladbrokes Geelong Cup.
Craig Williams guided the galloper who improved on his last start overseas in the Group 3 September Stakes with a powerful run home to salute by over two lengths on the line over the locals.
The Geelong Cup has been a terrific Melbourne Cup form race for the raiders and the bookies reacted immediately moving Onesmoothoperator onto the 4th line of all-in markets at $12 before he firmed further to sit equal second with Buckaroo at $7 at time of publish for his big performance.
Williams was full of post-race praise, the horse did it easy with 54kg and will carry a few less on the first Tuesday of November, and he’s proven over further than two miles so will only improve.
Penalised 1kg for the Geelong victory taking him up to 51kg, which is still a lovely weight for this horse.
Williams, who won on Vow And Declare back in 2019, has been confirmed to stick with him in the Melbourne Cup in a huge tick for the horse.
He was under a cloud however after being found to have a heel cut on the Friday prior to the Cup but was reshoed and re-examined on Saturday morning getting the all clear to run.
Raider who made a big first-up impact in the Geelong Cup on his way to the big one!
14. ZARDOZI (3)
Zardozi will be ridden by Andrea Atzeni in the Melbourne Cup 2024. Photo: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by KINGMAN (GB) from CHANDERI (GB)
- Age/Gender: 4YO Mare
- Trainer: James Cummings
- Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
- Weight: 51kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 3
- Owners: Godolphin
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15
- Video: Zardozi winning the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill on March 16, 2024
- Latest Start: 4th beaten 8.5 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Australian-bred Kingman mare, Zardozi, is on track for a Melbourne Cup bid donning the Royal Blue of Godolphin and this four-year-old could be a value shot at 50/1 at time of publish.
Italian hoop Andrea Atzeni is booked for the ride on 51kg.
It has been a while since the mare was in the winner’s stall when claiming the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes as a filly back in March at Rosehill, but she’s been competitive in plenty since.
Was an ATC Oaks runner-up back in April over the 2400m and saw that distance last start when fourth beaten a pretty big margin in the Caulfield Cup.
Many expected her to finish closer but still think that run was brave.
Second in The Metrop the start prior in Sydney and she’s a proven Group 1 winner at Flemington having taken out last year’s VRC Oaks.
Is she going well enough as a more seasoned mare?
Not sure she showed enough in the Caulfield Cup to be considered a danger!
15. SEA KING (GB) (1)
Bendigo Cup winner Sea King is one of the best backed Melbourne Cup horses in 2024. Photo: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images.
- Breeding: by SEA THE STARS (IRE) from PAMONA (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
- Trainer: Mr Harry Eustace (Newmarket (GB))
- Jockey: Hollie Doyle
- Weight: 50.5kg – includes 0.5kg penalty (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 1
- Owners: OTI Sea King, Mr L D Freeman, Mrs L J Freeman, Mr A H Goodfellow, Mrs P I Goodfellow, Mr J P Spence, Marshall Racing, Mr M P Stone, Webbmck Racing, Beartown 39, Mrs M F Anderson, Mr S P Anderson, Mr I G Cornell, Goldmount Lodge Pty Ltd, Mr M A Lowe, Mr W J Watts, Mr M E Evans, Mr J G Benz, Nose Hair, Miss G I Solomon-Innes
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $10
- Video: Sa King winning the Group 3 Bendigo Cup at Bendigo on October 30, 2024
- Latest Start: 1st by 3.75 lengths beating Berkley Square in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on October 30, 2024
UK raider Sea King charged into Melbourne Cup calculations with the OTI Racing-owned son of Sea The Stars demolishing his rivals by nearly four lengths first-up in Australia in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m).
The Harry Eustace-trained visitor was unexpected to make the Melbourne Cup field but the attrition rate and his sensational debut down under has thrown him right into the mix as a single-figure fancy.
He’ll be a flying lightweight even with the half-kilo penalty in on 50.5kg with Hollie Doyle to ride.
Brings in Ebor form and shouldn’t have a worry with the 3200m.
Bendigo Cup – Melbourne Cup double could be pending for another international!
16. VALIANT KING (GB) (21)
Valiant King is out to atone after being ruled out of last year’s Cup. Photo: Racingfotos.com
- Breeding: by ROARING LION (USA) from ASSEMBLY (USA)
- Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
- Trainer: Chris Waller (Flemington)
- Jockey: Craig Newitt
- Weight: 50.5kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 21
- Owners: Mr A Kheir, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr J A O’Neill, YES Bloodstock, Carty Racing, A K Racing, BDTJJ Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold, Solscaf Racing, Mr T R Maddern, Bromfield Park Pty Ltd
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $61
- Latest Start: 9th beaten 13.15 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
One of the longer priced hopefuls from the Waller contingent, Valiant King returns this spring chasing atonement after being ruled out of last year’s Melbourne Cup race as an Irish-trained raider with Joseph O’Brien.
He is now locally based at Flemington with master trainer Waller.
Sixth in the Caulfield Cup last year, the grey was ninth in that same lead-up this season over 13 lengths off the winner.
The five-year-old is still lightly raced with that just his 11th start.
Has won just the one race over 2011m overseas last May and will need to pull out something pretty magical to improve enough to challenge here.
Craig Newitt rides.
Worst of the Waller hopes.
17. FANCY MAN (IRE) (18)
Fancy Man will have Ronnie Stewart in the saddle for the 2024 Melbourne Cup race. Photo: All Weather Championships.
- Breeding: by PRIDE OF DUBAI from FANCY (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
- Trainers: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald (Pakenham OC)
- Jockey: Ron Stewart
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 18
- Owners: The Clan, Mr P L Ward, Mr P J Prendergast, Mr G P Carmody, Walker Racing & Bloodstock, Mr M J Gordon, Mr C S White, Dr J R Ramsay, Mr A J Luciano, Mrs J A Canceri, Mr R S Canceri, Mr D Cicolella, Mr M Bernatovic, UP Racing, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr C H Madden, Mrs J G Madden, Hon. G J Williamson, Mr P A Bekker, A F I Racing
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101
- Latest Start: 6th beaten 9.65 lengths by Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19
Caulfield Cup winning trainer Ciaron Maher may not be represented by Duke De Sessa in the Melbourne Cup field but he still saddles-up a few hopes including this triple-figure roughie who comes off a sixth to his stablemate in the lead-up feature.
Ronnie Stewart retains the ride up to two miles on the first Tuesday of November as this nicely bred son of Pride Of Dubai chases a light weight upset.
He hasn’t won since carrying 58kg to victory at Eagle Farm in last year’s Queensland Cup but has been solid in his lead-ups this time in.
Performing well and looks slightly overs for a run in the Top 6.
One of the better roughies!
18. INTERPRETATION (IRE) (13)
Interpretation will have Teo Nugent aboard in Tuesday’s great race. Photo: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE) from DALDIYNA (FR)
- Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
- Jockey: Teo Nugent
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 13
- Owners: Mr A Kheir, Mr J A O’Neill, Mrs L Buzadzic, Mr T R Maddern, Mr R Mesiano, Carty Racing, Mr M S Dandiwal, Mr V Kheir, Mr B A Secatore, Mrs R T Secatore, Mr G J Skien, Mr S A Lewin, Mr R E Wilson, Mr A Obarzanski, Mr W Brownlee-Smith, A K Racing, Halo Racing Services Pty Ltd, Solscaf Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $18
- Video: Interpretation winning the 2023 Group 3 Bendigo Cup at Bendigo on November 1, 2023
- Latest Start: 2nd beaten 2.25 lengths by Onesmoothoperator in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23
One of the best fancied of the locally trained Melbourne Cup runners this year, Interpretation is looking to hand master trainer of stayers Ciaron Maher his second following the success of Gold Trip in 2022.
Last year’s Bendigo Cup winner was at big odds when running out of his skin for sixth to Without A Fight in the Melbourne Cup results only five lengths beaten from barrier 17.
He remains a genuine lightweight hope again 12 months on getting in with just 50kg with Teo Nugent the confirmed Melbourne Cup rider.
The now seven-year-old has been thereabouts in some of the traditional Melbourne Cup stepping-stones without really coming into his own.
The Geelong Cup second behind the very talented raider Onesmoothoperator last start was strong and he’ll meet him better in the Melbourne Cup weights for the rematch.
Has had 11 Flemington runs without a win though so will need to pull out all the stops to break his Headquarters hoodoo.
Was under a cloud when failing a vet check on Thursday but subsequently passed his re-examination and has been cleared to run.
Has eased with the concern but wouldn’t have got the all clear if he wasn’t fit and ready to fire.
Potential value now having his third start in a Melbourne Cup field.
On the improve for Maher and gets in on a light weight.
19. MANZOICE (7)
Manzoice joins the Chris Waller 2024 Melbourne Cup contingent for Tuesday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by ALMANZOR (FR) from CHOICE (NZ)
- Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Declan Bates
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 7
- Owners: Mr B J Flannery, Mrs P A Flannery, Mr T D Flannery, Mr Q J Flannery
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51
- Latest Start: 7th beaten 3.62 lengths by Okita Soushi in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 25
Adding to the Chris Waller Melbourne Cup contingent is this former Victoria Derby winner who hasn’t won a race since his 2022 win in the classic defeating another of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup horses, Sharp ‘N’ Smart.
He gains a start after Kiwi galloper Mahrajaan was ruled out on Saturday morning due to his CT scans.
Latest run was a seventh behind Okita Soushi in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
Obviously has been a long time between wins and needs to improve, but this is a pretty dismal field and he’s got no weight.
Could get up in behind his stablemates for a top six run at big odds.
Sneaky lightweight finding form at the right time for a top six performance.
20. MOSTLY CLOUDY (IRE) (15)
Mostly Cloudy is one of the outsiders in 2024 Melbourne Cup betting. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by HARZAND (IRE) from CLARINDA (FR)
- Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
- Trainers: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young (Cranbourne)
- Jockey: Karis Teetan
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 15
- Owners: Busuttin Racing, Ridgmont, J A K Racing, Mr C Schembri, Mr I C Burford, Mr A C Salter, Mr A G Zoanetti, Ms D V Pope, Mr M J Gordon, Miss C L Cotter, F J S T, Oz Racing Pty Ltd, Mr D G Lightfoot, Mr M G Carey, Ms N J Young, Mr T L Busuttin
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101
- Latest Start: 12th beaten 6.12 lengths by Just Fine in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2520m) on October 5
Mostly Cloudy lines-up in the Melbourne Cup field off a disappointing The Bart Cummings performance from Turnbull Day.
The Busuttin & Young-trained six-year-old will understandably go around at big odds but will carry just 50kg with Karis Teetan riding.
Fourth in the Lexus Archer behind Point King the run before he’s got a pretty good Flemington strike rate (9:1-2-2) and is one of the proven two-mile horses in the mix.
The import hasn’t won since last September but will relish a rise in trip having run second in both the Andrew Ramsden and the Group 2 Brisbane Cup this winter gone over the longer distances.
Right track and distance but lacking class.
21. POSITIVITY (NZ) (19)
Positivity worked well in the lead-up to her shot at Melbourne Cup glory for the Kiwis. Photo: Jenny Barnes.
- Breeding: by ALMANZOR (FR) from PUSSY O’REILLY (NZ)
- Age/Gender: 4YO mare
- Trainer: Andrew Forsman (Flemington)
- Jockey: Winona Costin
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 19
- Owners: Mr C W Kwok
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101
- Video: Positivity winning the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (2500m) at Morphettville on May 11, 2024
- Latest Start: 8th beaten 5.12 lengths by Okita Soushi in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 25
Positivity confirmed her start in the Melbourne Cup 2024 with a lovely piece of work a week out from the event.
This Andrew Forsman-trained Kiwi mare is chasing atonement, as is her rider Winona Costin, after being a late withdrawal from the Caulfield Cup.
Obviously, that would have been an important stepping-stone to the 3200m feature but the four-year-old daughter Almanzor gets in now with just 50kg as a sneaky outsider forgotten in the markets.
She was an emphatic Group 3 SA Fillies Classic winner over 2500m at Morphettville earlier in the year and won September’s Group 3 Naturalism Stakes narrowly with 54kg.
Two subsequent starts had her 7th in The Bart Cummings and 8th to Okita Soushi in the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Cox Plate Eve.
Will appreciate two miles and 50kg on the roomier track.
Quality mare and a younger hope that can beat a few of these at a price.
22. SAINT GEORGE (GB) (8)
- Breeding: by ROARING LION (USA) from LADY DRAGON (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 5YO Horse
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Tyler Schiller
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 8
- Owners: Deg Racing, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr A Kheir, Mr J A O’Neill, Mr N A Greenhalgh, Mrs M T Greenhalgh, A R E Investments, Sneesby Racing, Mr A J Willoughby, Carty Racing, A K Racing
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $31
- Latest Start: 5th beaten 3.02 lengths by Okita Soushi in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 25
Adding to the strong Ciaron Maher Melbourne Cup contingent is this unassuming import who will get in with no weight looking to improve on his lead-up fifth in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup to stablemate Okita Soushi.
The Roaring Lion grey looks to be finding his stride down under now and has winning form overseas up to 2916m.
Tyler Schiller to ride from a favourable barrier eight (in from nine) draw.
Sneaky lightweight finding form at the right time for a top six performance.
23. THE MAP (22)
The Map winning the Andrew Ramsden Stakes to earn a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup 2024 field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by ALPINE EAGLE from THIS MOMENT
- Age/Gender: 6YO mare
- Trainers: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray (Murray Bridge)
- Jockey: Rachel King
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 22
- Owners: Mrs J A Macgillivray, Mr D J Clarken, South East Connections, Gambling Graziers, Mr R A Sadek, Mr P Cousins, Mr G V Davidson, Mrs B R Davidson, Mr B R Hayden
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $41
- Video: The Map winning the 2024 Lexus Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 18, 2024
- Latest Start: 6th beaten 4.9 lengths by Onesmoothoperator in the Group 3 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23
Murray Bridge horsemen Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray have a class mare into the Melbourne Cup with The Map putting herself in the frame for a shot at the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’ with her half-length romp home over 2800m in the Listed Andrew Ramsden back in May.
Subsequent run had her running ninth in the Listed MacDonald Stakes (1400m) at home on August 24, but she was a 30/1 over that unsuitably short distance for a reason and lost few admirers hitting the line well under four lengths beaten with 57kg.
She’ll relish further as she gets deeper into her spring prep eyeing that potential Melbourne Cup run and will be in on a lightweight.
Denied a Group 2 Adelaide Cup victory over the two miles back in March beaten a nostril flare by Excelleration. Her Andrew Ramsden victory saw her atone however with the Adelaide Cup winner Excelleration running third in the Melbourne Cup golden ticket race.
She’ll stay all day and eat up the Melbourne Cup distance. Easy Melbourne Cup Day winner last year in the The Macca’s Run over 2800m. Can she go all the way in the big one 12 months on?
Only three Australian-bred horses have won the Melbourne Cup in the 21st century with Vow And Declare (2019) the latest.
Finished 11th in the Group 3 Naturalism and Jamie Kah has been booked to ride rival in Point King and Rachel King comes aboard as the replacement rider in the Cup.
Dour stayer with Cup Day experience. Can surprise.
24. TRUST IN YOU (NZ) (4)
- Breeding: by SWEYNESSE from SHINKO BAY (NZ)
- Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
- Trainers: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley (Byerley Park (NZ))
- Jockey: Mark Du Plessis
- Weight: 50kg (at time of publish)
- Barrier: 4
- Owners: Mr B J Wallace, Mr R J Wallace, Mr C J Wallace, Mr J R Wallace, Mr A J Reynolds, Mr C W Reynolds
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101
- Latest Start: 4th beaten 2.42 lengths by Athabascan in the Group 3 St Leger (2600m) at Randwick on October 19, 2024
One of the last horses to gain a start in this year’s Melbourne Cup field is Kiwi galloper Trust In You set to go around at triple figures in his toughest test to date.
The six-year-old son of Sweynesse will be ridden by Mark Du Plessis who has his sixth ride in the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’.
A 50kg lightweight, the horse was last seen running a gallant fourth only two lengths off fellow Melbourne Cup runner Athabascan (subsequently scratched) in Sydney’s St Leger race over 2600m.
His last win was in a Group 3 over 2400m back home in January.
He’ll stay but not sure he’s up to this field.
Drawn one of the best Melbourne Cup barriers (4) statistically speaking.
Better lightweights. One of the last place bets.
Looking over the recent Melbourne Cup history, five of the eight champions from 2014-2022 were internationally trained including Cross Counter in 2018 for Godolphin’s Newmarket-based horseman Charlie Appleby and most recently the Joseph O’Brien-trained Irish raider Twilight Payment who led an all-international trifecta.
In 2021 there were officially only two internationals in the Melbourne Cup field with the defending champion Twilight Payment finishing a disappointing 11th with the 58kg top-weight and the Andrew Balding-trained Spanish Mission running third behind locals Verry Elleegant (1st) and Incentivise (2nd).
There were also two internationally trained horses in the 2022 Melbourne Cup field with the James Ferguson-trained Deauville Legend running fourth as the beaten favourite, while Without A Fight finished a disappointing 13th over 20 lengths beaten by the winner Gold Trip.
Doing the form on the Melbourne Cup horses is essential and looking for gallopers proven at the distance can be key. Melbourne Cup horses come into the Group 1 two-mile feature via a host of lead-up races including the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
Gold Trip (9th in 2022) was the last Cox Plate graduate to back-up and win the Melbourne Cup. Gold Trip was also the first horse in five years to run in all of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors also finished a brave second in the 2022 Caulfield Cup results.
The official list and field for the Melbourne Cup is announced on the Saturday before the race after the racing action of Victoria Derby Day. Once the Melbourne Cup horses are confirmed, the Melbourne Cup barrier draw then takes place to determine the starting positions of the hopefuls in the race.
Some of the most famous Melbourne Cup horses include the inaugural winner Archer (1861-62), triple champion Makybe Diva (2003-05), Kingston Rule who set the winning time record in 1990 and Prince Of Penzance (2015) who won at odds of $101!
*All-in 2024 Melbourne Cup odds subject to change. Horses listed are potential Melbourne Cup contenders, not final acceptors, and can be withdrawn at any time.
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