Melbourne Cup Horses 2021

2021 Melbourne Cup Results

Verry Elleegant made history as a mare carrying 57kg from barrier 18 to a four length win in the 2021 Melbourne Cup results. Photo: Steve Hart.

• 1st: #4 Verry Elleegant
• 2nd: #2 Incentivise
• 3rd: #3 Spanish Mission
• 4th: #22 Floating Artist

Verry Elleegant went down as one of the greatest horses in history, the class mare dominating the 2021 Melbourne Cup results with a powerhouse four-length victory over Peter Moody’s beaten favourite Incentivise (2nd) and UK raider Spanish Mission (3rd).

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 $7.74 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.

Looking over the recent Melbourne Cup history, five of the seven champions from 2014-2021 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).

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.

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!

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL 2021 MELBOURNE CUP INTERNATIONAL HORSES PREVIEW

2021 Melbourne Cup Final Field: Melbourne Cup Horses

The official Melbourne Cup 2021 Final Field & Barrier Draw is set for release on Saturday October 30, 2021 with the last round of acceptances closing at 10am (local time) before the announcement is made live from Flemington post the VRC Derby Day racing.

The full list of 2021 Melbourne Cup Horses & Jockeys will be detailed below for punters as soon as released by Racing Victoria.

The official line-up of horses in the 2021 Melbourne Cup field is now confirmed with Twilight Payment from Ireland to defend his title from barrier two. Last year’s winning hoop Jye McNeil retains the ride on the 58kg topweight with trainer Joseph O’Brien chasing his third Melbourne Cup win.

The big danger though is short-priced favourite Incentivise drawn barrier 16 with Brett Prebble aboard Peter Moody’s star stayer who comes off eight straight wins and is out to do the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double for the 12th time in history and first since Ethereal (2001).

• Melbourne Cup 2021 Scratchings Update: #20 Future Score (15) has been withdrawn after failing a last-minute vet check by Racing Victoria.

BET ON THE 2021 MELBOURNE CUP HORSES

2021 MELBOURNE CUP HORSE PROFILES

Once the Melbourne Cup 2021 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 slot in the 24-horse feature race at Flemington.

INCENTIVISE

Incentivise. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

• Breeding: by SHAMUS AWARD  from MISS ARGYLE
• Age: 5yo
• Trainer: Peter Moody
• Jockey: Brett Prebble
• Weight: 57kg
• Barrier: 16
• Owners: Windemere Stud Pty Ltd, Yes Bloodstock, Mr A Kheir, Mr P J Lawrence, Mr S B McEwan, Mr K Knight, Mr V G Corry, Mr J A O’neill
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $2.90 at time of publish 

Incentivise put the writing on the wall for his Melbourne Cup bid back in the winter when the still Queensland-trained galloper won the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup by 12 lengths. He has not disappointed returning in Melbourne for Moody to win the Makybe Diva – Turnbull Stakes double before his brilliant 3.5 length domination in the Caulfield Cup. Gets the chance to do the Spring Cups double for the first time since Ethereal (2001). It’s been an incredible rise through the ranks for this Toowoomba-bred galloper and the fairy-tale doesn’t look like ending yet. He’ll stay all day and without the big international contingent usually raining on the local’s parade, Incentivise looks every hope of saluting as the shortest-priced Melbourne Cup favourite since Phar Lap (1930).

SPANISH MISSION

Spanish Mission. Photo: Racing And Sports.

• Breeding: by NOBLE MISSION (GB)  from LIMONAR (IRE)
• Age: 6yo
• Trainer: Andrew Balding
• Jockey: Craig Williams
• Weight: 57kg
• Barrier: 14
• Owners: Mr G Barber, Mr B Irwin
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $11 at time of publish 

The only other remaining internationally-trained raider in the Cup along with last year’s champion, this UK visitor is being kept safe in betting despite having been under an injury cloud with a swollen leg only four days out from the ‘race that stops a nation’ before passing his third fitness test on Saturday afteroon. A dour stayer with winning form up to 3600m, he will eat up the two-miles at Flemington. Wet on Cup Day? Think he would prefer a firmer track, but the Europeans often handle the give out of the course too. Was targeted for this race a long way out and his lead-up form overseas has been outstanding. Last start second when narrowly denied by Stradivarius in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3270m) was very brave and the perfect lead-up to the first Tuesday of November at HQ. Carries 57kg equal with the favourite and a kilo less than Twilight Payment.

TWILIGHT PAYMENT

Twilight Payment. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

• Breeding: by TEOFILO (IRE)  from DREAM ON BUDDY (IRE)
• Age: 9yo
• Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
• Jockey: Jye McNeil
• Weight: 58kg
• Barrier: 2
• Owners: Mr N C Williams, Mr L J Williams, Mrs S J Williams, Mr A L Green, Mrs B A Green, Mr B N Singer, Jacobsen Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Rockingham Thoroughbreds, Mr P Mehrten, Mr M E Ruff, Mr G T Ryan, Mr C L Marks, Mr M D Wizel, Mr M S Gudinski, Mr V J Sammartino, Mr J S Bolger
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $13 at time of publish 

Only two internationally-trained raiders (plus a Waterhouse/Bott import) are still officially in the mix after the early withdrawal of Away He Goes. That includes last year’s champion to be ridden by last year’s winning hoop Jye McNeil again. He atoned for an 11th to the Australian champion Vow  And Declare in 2019 to salute in an all-international Melbourne Cup trifecta in 2021. The Irish galloper will carry more weight obviously this season but has been racing well overseas including a Group 1 St Leger second.

VERRY ELLEEGANT

Verry Elleegant. Photo: Steve Hart.

• Breeding: by ZED (NZ)  from OPULENCE (NZ)
• Age: 6yo
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: TBC
• Weight: 57kg
• Barrier: 19
• Owners: Jomara Bloodstock Ltd, Ellee, Balmerino Racing Partnership, Mr M Wanzare, Mr T K Barry, Mr B F Sokolski, Mr A Kheir, Mr K M Stocker, Honeycomb Stud, Mr J A O’neill, Mr V Kheir
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $15 at time of publish 

Can Chris Waller add a Melbourne Cup trophy to his incredible Group 1 cabinet? The ‘Loving Trophy’ is up for grabs for the 161st time on Tuesday and Waller’s potential best chance lies in his nine-time Group 1 winning mare Verry Elleegant. She won last year’s Caulfield Cup before a very brave seventh from barrier 15 in the Melbourne Cup results. Waller is yet to 100% confirm whether he will give her another go, but all signs are pointing towards a green light. One of the country’s most consistent horses, she was last seen running a brave third to State Of Rest in the Cox Plate trifecta. It would be some training effort to get her from WFA over 2040m to win over the 3200m with 57kg….but Waller is some trainer! The Melbourne Cup barrier draw of 19 doesn’t help.

GRAND PROMENADE

Grand Promenade. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

• Breeding: by CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB)  from ZACCHERA (GB)
• Age: 6yo
• Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
• Weight: 52kg
• Barrier: 21
• Owners: Ryco Equine Pty Ltd, Mr J Ribot De Bresac, Mr J Carnavas, John Foote Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr A J Gorey, Sunday Knight, Mr P A Gorey, Mr P J Blunden
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $15 at time of publish 

The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable chase their first Melbourne Cup victory with this ballot-exempt galloper who was impressive winning the Group 3 The Bart Cummings to earn his shot at the world’s richest handicap. Has a lovely Flemington record (5:3-1-0) and three-time Melbourne Cup winning hoop Kerrin McEvoy rides. Even with the penalty he gets in on just 52kg so is a lovely weight to challenge those higher up the handicaps. His winning form up to 2600m suggests he’ll run out the two-miles, but he does need to go to another level here.  Almandin (2016) was the last horse to complete The Bart Cummings – Melbourne Cup double and McEvoy was in the saddle. Drawn wide in barrier 21.

TRALEE ROSE

Tralee Rose. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

• Breeding: by TAVISTOCK (NZ)  from STAR OF TRALEE (NZ)
• Age: 5yo
• Trainers: Symon Wilde
• Jockey: Dean Holland
• Weight: 51kg
• Barrier: 21
• Owners: Mr S W Wilde, Mr R W Gamble, Mrs S J Gamble, Mr B W Casanelia, Power Strike, Mr C J Cooke, Mr P A Fitzgerald, Mr J R Parish, Mr D Costa, Mr M A Schirmer, Mr JM MacLean, Mr D J Maclean, Mrs A J MacLean, Mr M P Sheahan, Mr I C Mckinnon, Mr T G Casanelia, Mr J Fitzgerald, P P R C Racing
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $15 at time of publish 

Tralee Rose secured her spot in the Melbourne Cup field via victory in the Group 3 Geelong Cup. She’s been very consistent this preparation and will see out the distance having run fourth over the two miles in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup. Drops back to 51kg and could surprise a few. What she perhaps lacks in class she gains in staying pedigree (a daughter of Tavistock) and the light weight helps.

FLOATING ARTIST

Floating Artist. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

• Breeding: by NATHANIEL (IRE)  from MISS KENTON (IRE)
• Age: 6yo
• Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Teodore Nugent (a)
• Weight: 50kg
• Barrier: 10
• Owners: Seymour Bloodstock, Mr D I Hollyman, Grand Parkview Stud, Mr F J Welsford, Mrs S J Welsford, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Encore Mission, Mr T C Eddy, Mr W J Ford, Mr W R J Gabbert, Mr P D Rossdale, Mr J M Simmons, Ms S M Fitzgerald, Murumba Racing, Mr F W Cook, Mrs C M Cook, P K & A W Racing
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $15 at time of publish 

One of the early firmers for the Cup, this 50kg lightweight is another runner for the form staying stable of Maher/Eustace and the money is coming for him to upset some of the better credentialed runners. First go at the 3200m, but he’s got previous winning form at HQ and his lead-ups suggest he’s about ready to peak. He was on the cusp of a run and they opted to keep him fresh and run the gauntlet not starting in the Lexus, and it paid off – he’s in! Third in the Coongy as the beaten favourite a quarter-length beaten two back before that devastatingly close Moonee Valley Gold Cup second last time out. The distance is a genuine query and there are better internationals, but from the gate could be up there late if he runs it out.

SIR LUCAN

Sir Lucan. Photo: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

• Breeding: by CAMELOT (GB)  from SPARROW (IRE)
• Age: 4yo
• Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
• Jockey: Glen Boss
• Weight: 50kg
• Barrier: 18
• Owners: Mr A Kheir, G W Holdings, Mr J A O’neill, Mrs M N Annetts, Mr V Kheir, Mr D De Jersey, Mr B D Nettlefold, Mr F W Cook, Carty Racing, Mr J M Simmons, Mr T Needham, Kemp & Melrose, Mr G J Skien, Ms P A Bourke, Mr R W Holland, Australian Chinese Jockey Club Racing 2, Mr P Johnson, Mr S A Lewin, Mad K Racing
• Current Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds*: $26 at time of publish

Not officially counted as an international, this Waterhouse/Bott import makes his Australian race debut on the big stage and the stable has been singing the European three-year-old praises ahead of Tuesday’s race. Gets in with just 50kg and has triple Melbourne Cup winning hoop Glen Boss of Makybe Diva fame aboard. The Camelot stallion has won up to 2600m so still needs to tick the two-mile box, but the light weight will help. Ninth in the Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster with 57.5kg last time out. Needs to be improving and go to another level obviously, but it’s an open race outside the hot favourite so could be right up there late in the finish.

*2021 Melbourne Cup odds correct as of 01/11/2021 subject to change.