Which horses are running in the 2023 Melbourne Cup?

Which horses are running in the 2024 Melbourne Cup?

If you are looking for the latest on the 2023 Melbourne Cup field, to find out what horses are running in the race, you have come to the right place.

The final list of 24 runners will be confirmed on Saturday, November 4, just before the Melbourne Cup barrier draw is carried out at Flemington Racecourse.

Early futures punters can check out the Melbourne Cup order of entry to see which horses are in the mix for the race that stops a nation.

2023 Melbourne Cup Horses

No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds
1 Silks
Gold Trip
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
James McDonald
2
58.5kg
+340
2 Silks
Alenquer
Michael Moroney
Damien Oliver
9
56.5kg
+5000
3 Silks
Without A Fight
Anthony & Sam Freedman
Mark Zahra
16
56.5kg
+600
4 Silks
Breakup
Tatsuya Yoshioka
Kohei Matsuyama
18
55kg
+1700
5 Silks
Vauban
Willie Mullins
Ryan Moore
3
55kg
+240
6 Silks
Soulcombe
Chris Waller
Joao Moreira
4
53.5kg
+1000
7 Silks
Absurde
Willie Mullins
Zac Purton
8
53kg
+2200
8 Silks
Right You Are
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
John Allen
15
53kg
+7000
9 Silks
Vow And Declare
Danny O’Brien
Billy Egan
19
53kg
+3000
10 Silks
Cleveland
Kris Lees
Michael Dee
23
52kg
+2600
11 Silks
Ashrun
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Kerrin McEvoy
11
51.5kg
+4000
12 Silks
Daqiansweet Junior
Phillip Stokes
Daniel Stackhouse
12
51.5kg
+9000
13 Silks
Okita Soushi
Joseph O’Brien
Dylan Gibbons
20
51.5kg
+7000
14 Silks
Sheraz
Chris Waller
Beau Mertens
22
51.5kg
+12500
15 Silks
Lastotchka
Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
Craig Williams
21
51kg
+2500
16 Silks
Magical Lagoon
Chris Waller
Mark Du Plessis
7
51kg
+9000
17 Silks
Military Mission
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Rachel King
5
51kg
+4500
18 Silks
Serpentine
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Jye McNeil
1
51kg
+6000
19 Silks
Virtuous Circle
Liam Howley
Craig Newitt
6
51kg
+9000
20 Silks
More Felons
Chris Waller
Jamie Kah
24
50.5kg
+3000
21 Silks
Future History
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Hollie Doyle
13
50kg
+2600
22 Silks
Interpretation
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Teo Nugent
17
50kg
+6000
23 Silks
Kalapour
Kris Lees
Zac Lloyd
14
50kg
+5000
24 Silks
True Marvel
Matthew Smith
Ben Thompson
10
50kg
+15000

Recent Melbourne Cup horses

  • No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds
    1 Gold Trip Melbourne Cup 2022 Gold Trip Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Mark Zahra 14 57.5kg $13
    2 Duais Melbourne Cup 2022 Duais Edward Cummings Hugh Bowman 10 55.5kg $21
    3 Knights Order Melbourne Cup 2022 Knights Order Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 24 55.5kg $21
    4 Montefilia Melbourne Cup 2022 Montefilia David Payne Jason Collett 11 55.5kg $11
    5 Numerian Melbourne Cup 2022 Numerian Annabel Neasham Tommy Berry 7 55.5kg $61
    6 Without A Fight Melbourne Cup 2022 Without A Fight Simon & Ed Crisford William Buick 18 55.5kg $11
    7 Camorra Melbourne Cup 2022 Camorra Ben & JD Hayes Ben Melham 17 55kg $41
    8 Deauville Legend Melbourne Cup 2022 Deauville Legend James Ferguson Kerrin McEvoy 9 55kg $3.80
    9 Stockman Melbourne Cup 2022 Stockman Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 2 54kg $34
    10 Vow And Declare Melbourne Cup 2022 Vow And Declare Danny O’Brien Blake Shinn 4 54kg $18
    11 Young Werther Melbourne Cup 2022 Young Werther Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 21 54kg $26
    12 Hoo Ya Mal Melbourne Cup 2022 Hoo Ya Mal Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Craig Williams 15 53.5kg $21
    13 Serpentine Melbourne Cup 2022 Serpentine Robert Hickmott John Allen 23 53.5kg $61
    14 Daqiansweet Junior Melbourne Cup 2022 Daqiansweet Junior Phillip Stokes Daniel Moor 13 53kg $51
    15 Grand Promenade Melbourne Cup 2022 Grand Promenade Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Harry Coffey 1 53kg $61
    16 Arapaho Melbourne Cup 2022 Arapaho Bjorn Baker Rachel King 19 52.5kg $101
    17 Emissary Melbourne Cup 2022 Emissary Mike Moroney Patrick Moloney 3 51.5kg $21
    18 Lunar Flare Melbourne Cup 2022 Lunar Flare Grahame Begg Michael Dee 12 51.5kg $21
    19 Smokin' Romans Melbourne Cup 2022 Smokin’ Romans Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jamie Kah 16 51.5kg $21
    20 Tralee Rose Melbourne Cup 2022 Tralee Rose Symon Wilde Dean Yendall 22 51kg $101
    21 Point Nepean Melbourne Cup 2022 Point Nepean Robert Hickmott Wayne Lordan 20 51kg $71
    22 High Emocean Melbourne Cup 2022 High Emocean Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Teo Nugent 8 50kg $51
    23 Interpretation Melbourne Cup 2022 Interpretation Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Craig Newitt 6 50kg $41
    24 Realm Of Flowers Melbourne Cup 2022 Realm Of Flowers Anthony & Sam Freedman Damien Thornton 5 50kg $15
  • 2021 Melbourne Cup Horses

    No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds
    1 Twilight Payment Melbourne Cup 2021 Twilight Payment Joseph O’Brien Jye McNeil 2 58kg $11
    2 Incentivise Melbourne Cup 2021 Incentivise Peter Moody Brett Prebble 16 57kg $2.50
    3 Spanish Mission Melbourne Cup 2021 Spanish Mission Andrew Balding Craig Williams 14 57kg $9
    4 Verry Elleegant Melbourne Cup 2021 Verry Elleegant Chris Waller James McDonald 19 57kg $15
    5 Explosive Jack Melbourne Cup 2021 Explosive Jack C Maher & D Eustace John Allen 4 54kg $51
    6 The Chose One Melbourne Cup 2021 The Chosen One M Baker & A Forsman Damian Lane 5 54kg $61
    7 Delphi Melbourne Cup 2021 Delphi A & S Freedman Damien Oliver 3 53.5kg $41
    8 Ocean Billy Melbourne Cup 2021 Ocean Billy Chris Waller Damian Thornton 13 53.5kg $101
    9 Selino Melbourne Cup 2021 Selino Chris Waller Ron Stewart 24 53.5kg $151
    10 Johnny Get Angry Melbourne Cup 2021 Johnny Get Angry Denis Pagan Lachlan King 22 53kg $101
    11 Knights Order Melbourne Cup 2021 Knights Order G Waterhouse & A Bott Daniel Stackhouse 9 53kg $201
    12 Persan Melbourne Cup 2020 Persan C Maher & D Eustace Luke Currie 11 53kg $31
    13 Carif Melbourne Cup 2021 Carif P & P Snowden Blaike McDougall 8 52.5kg $201
    14 Master Of Wine Melbourne Cup 2021 Master Of Wine Team Hawkes Fred Kersley 6 52.5kg $101
    15 Pondus Melbourne Cup 2020 Pondus Robert Hickmott Rachel King 1 52.5kg $41
    16 Grand Promenade Melbourne Cup 2021 Grand Promenade C Maher & D Eustace Kerrin McEvoy 21 52kg $21
    17 Miami Bound Melbourne Cup 2021 Miami Bound Danny O’Brien Patrick Moloney 17 52kg $151
    18 Port Guillaume Melbourne Cup 2021 Port Guillaume Ben & JD Hayes Harry Coffey 23 52kg $151
    19 She's Ideel Melbourne Cup 2021 She’s Ideel Bjorn Baker Craig Newitt 20 52kg $101
    20 Future Score Melbourne Cup 2021 Future Score Matt Cumani Dean Yendall 15 51.5kg SCR
    21 Tralee Rose Melbourne Cup 2021 Tralee Rose Symon Wilde Dean Holland 12 51kg $17
    22 Floating Artist Melbourne Cup 2021 Floating Artist C Maher & D Eustace Teo Nugent 10 50kg $18
    23 Great House Melbourne Cup 2021 Great House Chris Waller Michael Dee 7 50kg $31
    24 Sir Lucan Melbourne Cup 2021 Sir Lucan G Waterhouse & A Bott Glen Boss 18 50kg $26
  • Anthony Van Dyck
    T: Aidan O’Brien
    J: Hugh Bowman (58.5kg)
    Anthony Van Dyck

    1

    Anthony Van Dyck (3)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey5YO Bay Horse
    jockeyHugh Bowman (58.5kg)
    trainerAidan O’Brien

    Win: $8.50

    Place: $2.90

    Best odds at Neds

    Anthony Van Dyck comes off a brilliant second in the Caulfield Cup in what was the perfect lead up run for this race. He drew the carpark on that occasion, so the low draw will be beneficial here and allow Bowman to settle a bit closer than he did a fortnight ago. He’s an Epsom Derby winner and beat one of the world’s best stayers in Stradivarius in his last start before coming to Australia. It would be an extraordinary feat if he were to win the Melbourne Cup with 58.5kg, with no horse since Makybe Diva in 2005 reigning supreme with 58kg or more. His best form is at 2400m and he is untested beyond that, so he has a task ahead of him, but his Caulfield Cup run was pleasing.


    Can Anthony Van Dyck win The Cup?

    He can if he brings his best. The big weight and where he gets to in the run, plus whether or not he can stay out the two miles are huge question marks, but on class alone, he has to be right in the mix.

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    Avilius
    T: James Cummings
    J: John Allen (57kg)

    Avilius

    2

    Avilius (10)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey7YO Brown Gelding
    jockeyJohn Allen (57kg)
    trainerJames Cummings

    Win: $51.00

    Place: $12.00

    Best odds at Ladbrokes

    Godolphin have just the one runner in the race this year, with James Cummings’ Avilius. He finished a long way from the winner in this race in 2018, when the fallen horse came down in front of him, so we are penning that completely here. He’s a winner over 2500m at Flemington, and comes off a luckless effort in the Caulfield Cup when strung up in traffic in the straight. All four of his runs this campaign have suggested this has been his target race, and he is in the right hands to give the Grandson of the Cup’s King, his first Melbourne Cup. He is a three time Group 1 winner, and has drawn favourably in barrier ten to allow John Allen to find a spot, switch off and utilise the horses’ scintillating turn of foot.


    Can Avilius win The Cup?

    He’s the forgotten horse coming into this we think. He’ll get all the favours in the run, and as long as he can stay the trip, he is a live each-way chance.

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    Vow & Declare
    T: Danny O’Brien
    J: Jamie Mott (57kg)
    Vow And Declare

    3

    Vow And Declare (4)

    australia flagAustralia
    jockey5YO Chestnut Gelding
    jockeyJamie Mott (57kg)
    trainerDanny O’Brien

    Win: $51.00

    Place: $13.00

    Best odds at Palmerbet

    The reigning champion returns for another throw at the stumps here, albeit with 5kg more. He gets the blinkers on for the first time here and is drawn much kinder in barrier 4. Craig Williams has jumped off, so Jamie Mott will get the sit on the five-year-old gelding here for the first time and is likely to get the run of the race from barrier four. His form has been lacklustre in the past 12 months, failing to win a race. He finished 12th in the Turnbull Stakes and 15th in the Caulfield Cup at his last two outings, so it is fair to say he isn’t in the same rich vein of form he was in 12 months ago.


    Can Vow And Declare win The Cup?

    The rise in weight and the loss of form is a big concern for last years’ winner. We can’t have him winning back-to-back cups.

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    Master Of Reality (11)
    T: Aidan O’Brien
    J: Ben Melham (56kg)

    Master Of Reality

    4

    Master Of Reality (11)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey6YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyBen Melham (56kg)
    trainerAidan O’Brien

    Win: $26.00

    Place: $7.00

    Best odds at Bet365

    The son of Frankel finished fourth in this race last year after being relegated from second placing in the steward’s room. He has only had the four runs since, winning dominantly over 2800m at his latest. He only rises half a kilogram from his performance last year, and gets the in-form Ben Melham aboard. From gate 11, they’ll be right thereabouts in the run again and be hoping to finish one spot better than last year. He is owned by one of the most prolific owners in Melbourne Cup history in Lloyd Williams, who is chasing his seventh victory in the great race.


    Can Master Of Reality win The Cup?

    If he brings a similar performance from last year, he is a huge chance. He is well in at the weights, drawn well and will definitely stay the journey. Don’t leave him out of your multiples.

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    Sir Dragonet (14)
    T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
    J: Glen Boss (55.5kg)

    Sir Dragonet

    5

    Sir Dragonet (14)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey5YO Bay Horse
    jockeyGlen Boss (55.5kg)
    trainerCiaron Maher & David Eustace

    Win: $10.00

    Place: $3.30

    Best odds at Neds

    Sir Dragonet is coming in hot off an impressive win in the Cox Plate last weekend. Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Glen Boss retains the ride as he looks for his first cup since ’05. The son of Camelot drops 3.5kg from his Cox Plate win, which is a huge plus, but he’ll need every bit of assistance as he rises to 3200m for the first time. He has finished 3L off the winner in the Great British St Leger over 2900m 14 months ago, but his form since has been best at 2000m. He’ll settle midfield from barrier 14 and look to add a Melbourne Cup to his Australian assault.


    Can Sir Dragonet win The Cup?

    3200m is a big concern. His Cox Plate win suggested he is all class, but at the top of the market, we are happy to bet around him.

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    Twilight Payment (12)
    T: Joseph O’Brien
    J: Jye McNeil (55.5kg)

    Twilight Payment

    6

    Twilight Payment (12)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey8YO Bay Horse
    jockeyJye McNeil (55.5kg)
    trainerJoseph O’Brien

    Win: $27.00

    Place: $7.50

    Best odds at Sportsbet

    Finished 11th in this race last year when sent out as a despised outsider under Hugh Bowman. Jye McNeil takes the ride this year, and from barrier 12, we imagine to see the pair lead the field up along the back. His form since this race last year has been excellent, winning twice, including an 8L romping over Master Of Reality at The Curragh. He rises 0.5kg from last year, and is now an eight-year-old, so we have to question whether he’ll be sharp enough.


    Can Twilight Payment win The Cup?

    His form in the last six months suggests he can, but his age and racing pattern makes it hard for us to see him winning.

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    Verry Elleegant (15)
    T: Chris Waller
    J: Mark Zahra (55.5kg)

    Verry Elleegant

    7

    Verry Elleegant (15)

    new zealand flagNew Zealand
    jockey5YO Brown Mare
    jockeyMark Zahra (55.5kg)
    trainerChris Waller

    Win: $13.00

    Place: $4.00

    Best odds at Bet365

    Verry Elleegant comes off two monster efforts in winning both the Turnbull Stakes and the Caulfield Cup in preparation for her first attempt at two miles. She’s arguably Australia’s best horse, in the hands of one of our best trainers in Chris Waller, so she has to be a genuine winning hope. While barrier 15 isn’t ideal, she has faired better than a number of key chances, and it allows Mark Zahra, who is now two from two on the mare, to find cover early and allow her to relax. She would have to be the first mare to win the race since Makybe Diva fifteen years ago.


    Can Verry Elleegant win The Cup?

    Yes she can. History is against her, and her ability to over-race could cost her at 3200m. Traditionally, the Turnbull and Caulfield Cup would be ideal lead ups for this race, and she has been excellent in winning both.

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    Mustajeer (2)
    T: Kris Lees
    J: Michael Rodd (55kg)

    Mustajeer

    8

    Mustajeer (2)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey8YO Brown Gelding
    jockeyMichael Rodd (55kg)
    trainerKris Lees

    Win: $101.00

    Place: $26.00

    Best odds at Unibet

    The eight-year-old came over here 12 months ago after winning the Ebor Handicap fashionably, but has never really fired, winning only once in ten Australian starts. He only beat one runner home in this race last year and stays at 55kg this time in. We did see an improved showing in the Caulfield Cup, but he arguably ran better in that race 12 months ago also before failing in the Melbourne Cup. From barrier two, he could get tucked away on the rails which won’t help his winning chances, but, he is aided by Melbourne Cup winning jockey in Michael Rodd.


    Can Mutstajeer win The Cup?

    If he brings his Ebor form from 18 months ago he can, but he hasn’t shown any of that since being in Australia, and we don’t expect him to fire here.

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    Stratum Albion (9)
    T: Willie Mullins
    J: Jordan Childs (55kg)

    Stratum Albion

    9

    Stratum Albion (9)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey8YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyJordan Childs (55kg)
    trainerWillie Mullins

    Win: $41.00

    Place: $11.00

    Best odds at Sportsbet

    Willie Mullins brings over eight-year-old Stratum Albion for a Cup tilt, but his form suggests he isn’t going well enough. He does come off a second to the precocious Enbihaar at York last start over 2800m, but his form prior was plain. He is drawn well in barrier 9, but he is typically ridden cold, so expect to see him with a wall in front of them as they swing for home. It’s been over 12 months since his last win, and we can’t see him breaking the drought in this.


    Can Stratum Albion win The Cup?

    He’s in the hands of a great trainer, but his form is ordinary. No he can’t.

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    Dashing Willoughby (19)
    T: Andrew Balding
    J: Michael Walker (54.5kg)

    Dashing Willoughby

    10

    Dashing Willoughby (19)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey5YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyMichael Walker (54.5kg)
    trainerAndrew Balding

    Win: $101.00

    Place: $26.00

    Best odds at Bet365

    Dashing Willoughby came to Australia with plenty of admirers, but he was very ordinary in the Caulfield Cup, finished a long last. Michael Walker would be feeling pretty ill right about now, after electing to jump of Prince Of Arran to ride Dashing Willoughby this Spring. He will likely lead from barrier 19 or at least be right thereabouts in the run, but he would need to improve drastically. The big track and 3200m should suit, as he has a win over 2018 Melbourne Cup winner, Cross Counter at this distance three starts ago.


    Can Dashing Willoughby win The Cup?

    Not unless he improves 30 lengths. He’s $126 for a reason.

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    Finche (6)
    T: Chris Waller
    J: James McDonald (54.5kg)

    Finche

    11

    Finche (6)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey7YO Chestnut Gelding
    jockeyJames McDonald (54.5kg)
    trainerChris Waller

    Win: $18.00

    Place: $5.00

    Best odds at Sportsbet

    Finche is back for a third roll of the dice in the Melbourne Cup as a seven-year-old. His three runs this time in have been encouraging, placing in the Chelmsford and the Turnbull Stakes, before a gallant fifth in the Caulfield Cup at his latest. James McDonald will hop aboard for the first time, and from barrier 6, they should get a beautiful run in behind the speed. He finished seventh in this race last year, and fourth the year before, so he is always right thereabouts in the finish, and has to be respected. Waller and McDonald are striking at 19% when combining which is great areas, and neither have won a Cup, so they’ll both be hungry for the success.


    Can Finche win The Cup?

    His preparation has been faultless thus far, and he is in great hands. He’ll need to go to another level again here, but he cannot be left out of multiples

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    Prince Of Arran (1)
    T: Charlie Fellowes
    J: Jamie Kah (54.5kg)

    Prince Of Arran

    12

    Prince Of Arran (1)

    uk flagUnited Kingdom
    jockey8YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyJamie Kah (54.5kg)
    trainerCharlie Fellowes

    Win: $11.00

    Place: $3.60

    Best odds at Unibet

    Prince Of Arran had the perfect Cup trial when fourth in the Caulfield Cup last start. This is now his third trip to Australia, which has been successful to date, running third and second in the 2018 and 2019 Melbourne Cup respectively. He has won a Geelong Cup and a Lexus Handicap in his time in Australia, but is still chasing his first Melbourne Cup. The way he flashed from last in the Caulfield Cup suggests he is ready to go over 3200m, and getting back to Flemington will only help. From the inside alley, Jamie Kah is likely to settle a bit closer in the run and should be strong late


    Can Prince Of Arran win The Cup?

    He’s placed twice in this race and there’s no reason why he can’t go one better this year. He thrives in Australia, and has been set for this all along

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    Surprise Baby (7)
    T: Paul Preusker
    J: Craig Williams (54.5kg)

    Surprise Baby

    13

    Surprise Baby (7)

    nz flagNew Zealand
    jockey6YO Bay or Brown Gelding
    jockeyCraig Williams (54.5kg)
    trainerPaul Preusker

    Win: $9.50

    Place: $3.20

    Best odds at Sportsbet

    Somewhat the forgotten horse this year despite being rock solid in the market is Paul Preusker’s Surprise Baby. The lightly raced five-year-old has only had to runs since running a massive fifth in this race last year, where he was one of the only horses to make any ground from the back. His first up run around The Valley at an unsuitable trip was great, and his Turnbull run was luckless. In just his sixth career start, he was a dominant winner in the Adelaide Cup over 3200m, so we know he will stay, and he can only have gotten better in the past 12 months. He rises 1kg here and gets Craig Williams aboard, from barrier 7 which is ideal. He’s been set for this for a long time.


    Can Surprise Baby win The Cup?

    Absolutely he can. This has been his goal for 12 months and he looks the perfect horse to give both Craig Williams and Australia back-to-back Melbourne Cups.

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    King Of Leogrance (18)
    T: Danny O’Brien
    J: Damian Lane (53.5kg)

    King Of Leogrance

    14

    King Of Leogrance (18)

    france flagFrance
    jockey6YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyDamian Lane (53.5kg)
    trainerDanny O’Brien

    He won this years’ Adelaide Cup and was nearly favourite for this race six months ago, but his form since hasn’t been that fantastic. He was beaten by Oceanex in the Andrew Ramsden, and has since only placed in the Geelong Cup when in the worst part of the ground. Damien Lane has stuck, and he is in the hands of elite staying trainer Danny O’Brien. The 3200m will be no concern at all, but he will be back in the run and have plenty to do. In 159 years of the Melbourne Cup, no horse has ever won from barrier 18.


    Can King Of Leogrance win The Cup?

    The history buffs would be completely turned off by barrier 18, so we’ll say no. His form hasn’t really been good enough, but he will stay the trip and did beat Ashrun home at Geelong who is a live chance.

    *** UPDATE ***
    King of Leogrance has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup (Flemington Race 7) at 7.38am by the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. The horse was inspected by RV veterinarians upon request of the stable and was found to be lame in its off fore leg.

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    Russian Camelot (16)
    T: Danny O’Brien
    J: Damien Oliver (53.5kg)

    Russian Camelot

    15

    Russian Camelot (16)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey4YO Bay or Brown Horse
    jockeyDamien Oliver (53.5kg)
    trainerDanny O’Brien

    Win: $13.00

    Place: $3.90

    Best odds at Palmerbet

    The locally trained, Northern Hemisphere bred entire Russian Camelot is the ex-factor in the race, and may be being somewhat overlooked after two last start defeats at Group 1 level when favourite. It’s been no secret, he has been set for this race for a long time, and Danny O’Brien will no doubt have him peaking on Tuesday. His win in the South Australian Derby suggested he is an out and out stayer, while his win in the Underwood Stakes over 1800m early in the Spring made it look more as though he might be too excellent to be a Cups horse. Damien Oliver knows what it takes to ride a Melbourne Cup winner, and he has been booked for a long time now. Barrier 16 will see the entire settle midfield and be chiming in at the business end. He does look more effective with his toe in the ground.


    Can Russian Camelot win The Cup?

    There’s no doubting that he is a top four chance in this, and he has never been out of the numbers at Group 1 level. Flemington has been his Kryptonite. He’s a leading chance.

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    Steel Prince (21)
    T: Anthony & Sam Freedman
    J: William Pike (53.5kg)

    Steel Prince

    16

    Steel Prince (21)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey7YO Bay Gelding
    jockeyWilliam Pike (53.5kg)
    trainerAnthony & Sam Freedman

    Win: $41.00

    Place: $11.00

    Best odds at Bet365

    The Geelong Cup winner has been racing terrifically this campaign and looks ready to go over 3200m. The seven-year-old was only a length off Orderofthegarter in the Naturalism, before running a close third in the Bart Cummings behind Persan. Geelong Cup winners have a strong record in this race, with two horses completing the double in the last ten years. William Pike, who is flying of late, hops aboard and will likely snag back from barrier 21. He did finish ninth in this race last year, but rises 1kg from that run.


    Can Steel Prince win The Cup?

    The form he is in suggests he can, and Geelong Cup winners do generally go well, but we aren’t convinced he is at this level. The barrier makes it hard too.

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    The Chosen One (5)
    T: Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
    J: Daniel Stackhouse (53.5kg)

    The Chosen One

    17

    The Chosen One (5)

    new zealand flagNew Zealand
    jockey5YO Bay Horse
    jockeyDaniel Stackhouse (53.5kg)
    trainerMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman

    Win: $41.00

    Place: $10.00

    Best odds at Neds

    The five-year-old entire surprised many when he ran third to Verry Elleegant and Anthony Van Dyck in the Caulfield Cup, after being plain in the Underwood and Herbert Power Stakes leading up to it. He was a winner first-up at Flemington over 1700m, and should appreciate getting back to the big track. He only battled away in this race last year, and has run a narrow second in the Sydney Cup over the same distance in the Autumn, but this is much harder. If he replicates his Caulfield Cup effort, he is a big smokey.


    Can The Chosen One win The Cup?

    A win seems unlikely, but he maps well and is going well enough to give a strong showing.

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    Ashrun (24)
    T: Andreas Wohler
    J: Declan Bates (53kg)

    Ashrun

    18

    Ashrun (24)

    france flagFrance
    jockey5YO Bay Horse
    jockeyDeclan Bates (53kg)
    trainerAndreas Wohler

    Win: $21.00

    Place: $6.00

    Best odds at Ladbrokes

    German import Ashrun will be having his third start in 13 days, after securing his spot in the race with a gritty win in the Lexus Hotham Stakes on Derby Day. After settling last, he flew home under the big weight to get up right on the post. He drops 8kg on Tuesday which is a big advantage, and will be suited by Flemington once again. He had the flashing light on him at Geelong in his first Australian start, and his Melbourne Cup winning trainer, Andreas Wohler has made the trip to Melbourne via Hotel Quarantine to be there which is a strong push. The son of Authorised hasn’t won beyond 2500m, but he has two placings over 3000m which suggests he’ll get the trip. From the outside alley, Declan Bates will more than likely be in the last quarter of the field and be finishing strongly.


    Can Ashrun win The Cup?

    The big drop in the weights is a huge plus and makes us think he can. It’ll be a monster effort backing up, replicating only Shocking and Brew in the last 20 years.

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    Warning (8)
    T: Anthony & Sam Freedman
    J: Luke Currie (53kg)

    Warning

    19

    Warning (8)

    australia flagAustralia
    jockey4YO Chestnut Gelding
    jockeyLuke Currie (53kg)
    trainerAnthony & Sam Freedman

    Win: $51.00

    Place: $12.00

    Best odds at Sportsbet

    The 2019 VRC Derby winner gets back to Flemington for only the second time since his win in the 3YO Classic 12 months ago. His run in the Turnbull screamed ‘Melbourne Cup horse’, before he was a tad disapointing in the Caulfield Cup when 12th. He did find the worst part of the track that day and didn’t handle Caulfield, so we are prepared to forgive him there. He is by Declaration of War, who sired Vow And Declare, so he is bred to stay, and does his best racing at Flemington. 53kg is a big advantage, as he meets Russian Camelot half a kilogram better than when they met in the SA Derby in May. Barrier eight appeals here, as he will get a cozy run and be strong late.


    Can Warning win The Cup?

    He has been crying out for a trip all prep and looks beautifully placed here. There’s been worse $41 shots, that’s for sure.

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    Etah James (22)
    T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
    J: Billy Egan (52.5kg)

    Etah James

    20

    Etah James (22)

    new zealand flagNew Zealand
    jockey8YO Brown Mare
    jockeyBilly Egan (52.5kg)
    trainerCiaron Maher & David Eustace

    Win: $151.00

    Place: $34.00

    Best odds at Bet365

    Etah James is a genuinely dour stayer, who was a winner of the Sydney Cup over this trip in April at a big price. She’s had only two runs this prep, finishing a long way off the winner in the Metropolitan, before improving in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup last time out. She’ll be handy to the speed from barrier 22, but we cannot see her in the finish here. She won the Sydney Cup with 51kg, and rises to 52.5kg for a much, much tougher race.


    Can Etah James win The Cup?

    Maybe if she started before Race 1 on Tuesday.

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    Tiger Moth (23)
    T: Aidan O’Brien
    J: Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg)

    Tiger Moth

    21

    Tiger Moth (23)

    ireland flagIreland
    jockey4YO Bay Horse
    jockeyKerrin McEvoy (52.5kg)
    trainerAidan O’Brien

    Win: $8.50

    Place: $2.90

    Best odds at Unibet

    The sound of ‘Futures Punters’ collectively moaned a sound of disappointment when the pre-Final Field favourite drew barrier 23. The Coolmore-owned four-year-old entire from the Aidan O’Brien stable comes to Australia to contest the Melbourne Cup at what will be only his fifth career start. He has oozed class, winning twice, and placing at his other two starts, which included a very narrow defeat in the Irish Derby to Santiago who was highly rated for this race. He comes off a 4L victory at Leopardstown over 2414m, but is yet to race beyond that trip. Kerrin McEvoy snatched up the ride months in advance, which is important to consider. He will get back from the barrier, and if the hype is right, he could just be winning this.


    Can Tiger Moth win The Cup?

    While it’s only his fifth career start and he’s drawn poorly, you simply cannot write off the Ballydoyle team when they bring runners to Australia, and this horse has been spruiked for a long time now, so yes, yes he can.

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    Oceanex (17)
    T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
    J: Dean Yendall (51.5kg)

    Oceanex

    22

    Oceanex (17)

    new zealand flagNew Zealand
    jockey5YO Bay or Brown Mare
    jockeyDean Yendall (51.5kg)
    trainerMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)

    Win: $71.00

    Place: $18.00

    Best odds at PlayUp

    The locally trained mare was the first horse passed the ballot after an upset win in the Andrew Ramsden at this track over 2800m in May. Her first three runs were very plain, albeit over undesirable distances, before returning to form when third in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. She’ll get the trip no worries, and will appreciate Flemington and the lightweight. Dean Yendall will go forward on the five-year-old mare from barrier 17 and hope to stick on in the straight.


    Can Oceanex win The Cup?

    It wouldn’t be the first time she has upset punters, but the only thing we’ll be backing her to beat home is the Ambulance. And maybe Etah James.

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    Miami Bound (13)
    T: Danny O’Brien
    J: Daniel Moor (51kg)

    Miami Bound

    23

    Miami Bound (13)

    new zealand flagNew Zealand
    jockey4YO Bay Mare
    jockeyDaniel Moor (51kg)
    trainerDanny O’Brien

    Win: $41.00

    Place: $10.00

    Best odds at Neds

    The Crown Oaks winner from last year looked as though she was completely shot, failing to deliver anything since her Group 1 victory, but she bounced back in a big way last week. She got the conditions to suit; 2500m and a Heavy track, but she really did bolt in, winning by 2.5L. Trained by Danny O’Brien, she too is an out and out stayer who loves Flemington and will eat up two miles. From gate 13, Daniel Moor will be in the first half we would imagine, and look for cover around the first bend. She might need it wetter though.


    Can Miami Bound win The Cup?

    Her win in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup was brilliant, but we have to question her opponents. 3200m at Flemington does suit but.

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    Persan (20)
    T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
    J: Michael Dee (51kg)

    Persan

    24

    Persan (20)

    Persan
    Michael Dee
    Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
    australia flagAustralian
    jockey4YO Brown Horse
    jockeyMichael Dee (51kg)
    trainerCiaron Maher & David Eustace

    Win: $31.00

    Place: $8.00

    Best odds at Ladbrokes

    Persan has been flying presently, finishing in the quinella in nine of his last ten starts, which has included four wins at Flemington. The Maher and Eustace team look to have worked this bloke out, keeping him at the staying trips. He was very strong late over 2500m in the Bart Cummings, doing enough to hold out Sound and Steel Prince, who have both franked that form. He drops 4kg off that win, and has been able to have a soft time coming into the Cup. Barrier 20 is a concern, but we think Micky Dee will come over from the gate and look to settle in the first half a dozen.


    Can Persan win The Cup?

    His Flemington form suggests he is a huge chance in this, but we aren’t sure he has beaten all that much with the exemption of his latest win.

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  • 2019 Melbourne Cup Field

    No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds
    1 Cross Counter Melbourne Cup 2019 Cross Counter Charlie Appleby William Buick 5 57.5kg $13
    2 Mer De Glace Melbourne Cup 2019 Mer De Glace Hisashi Shimizu Damian Lane 2 56kg $9
    3 Master Of Reality Melbourne Cup 2019 Master Of Reality Joseph O’Brien Frankie Dettori 1 55.5kg $26
    4 Mirage Dancer Melbourne Cup 2019 Mirage Dancer T Busuttin & N Young Ben Melham 13 55.5kg $34
    5 Southern France Melbourne Cup 2019 Southern France C Maher & D Eustace Mark Zahra 14 55.5kg $23
    6 Hunting Horn Melbourne Cup 2019 Hunting Horn Aidan O’Brien Seamie Heffernan 11 55kg $46
    7 Latrobe Melbourne Cup 2019 Latrobe Joseph O’Brien James Mcdonald 13 55kg $46
    8 Mustajeer Melbourne Cup 2019 Mustajeer Kris Lees Damien Oliver 6 55kg $21
    9 Rostropovich Melbourne Cup 2019 Rostropovich D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Dwayne Dunn 12 55kg $101
    10 Twilight Payment Melbourne Cup 2019 Twilight Payment Joseph O’Brien Hugh Bowman 19 55kg $41
    11 Finche Melbourne Cup 2019 Finche Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 4 54kg $41
    12 Prince Of Arran Melbourne Cup 2019 Prince Of Arran Charlie Fellowes Michael Walker 8 54kg $19
    13 Raymond Tusk Melbourne Cup 2019 Raymond Tusk Richard Hannon Jamie Spencer 3 54kg $23
    14 Downdraft Melbourne Cup 2019 Downdraft Joseph O’Brien John Allen 15 53.5kg $20
    15 Magic Wand Melbourne Cup 2019 Magic Wand Aidan O’Brien John Allen 14 53.5kg $19
    16 Neufbosc Melbourne Cup 2019 Neufbosc D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Luke Nolen 23 53.5kg $251
    17 Sound Melbourne Cup 2019 Sound Mike Moroney James Winks 10 53.5kg $126
    18 Surprise Baby Melbourne Cup 2019 Surprise Baby Paul Preusker Jordan Childs 20 53.5kg $15
    19 Constantinople Melbourne Cup 2019 Constantinople D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Joao Moreira 7 52.5kg $10
    20 Il Paradiso Melbourne Cup 2019 Il Paradiso Aidan O’Brien Wayne Lordan 17 52.5kg $14
    21 Steel Prince Melbourne Cup 2019 Steel Prince Anthony Freedman Brett Prebble 16 52.5kg $71
    22 The Chosen One Melbourne Cup 2019 The Chosen One M Baker & A Forsman Tim Clark 18 52kg $71
    23 Vow And Declare Melbourne Cup 2019 Vow And Declare Dan O’Brien Craig Williams 21 52kg $12
    24 Youngstar Melbourne Cup 2019 Youngstar Chris Waller Tommy Berry 9 52kg $34
  • 1. Best Solution

    Best Solution Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Bay Horse

    Sire: Kodiac (GB)

    Dam: Al Andalyya (USA)

    Jockey: Pat Cosgrave

    Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor

    Career: 22 (9-2-3)

     

    Best Solution takes top weight into the 2018 Melbourne Cup after four wins on the bounce. The last of those was an impressive victory in the Caulfield Cup on debut in Australia. The Godolphin star fits the profile to a tee: a proven European stayer with form over 2400m. The five-year-old has never raced beyond 2500m, but the sit-and-sprint nature of the Melbourne Cup should suit it down to the ground.

    2. The Cliffsofmoher

    Cliffsofmoher Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Bay Horse

    Sire: Galileo (IRE)

    Dam: Wave (IRE)

    Jockey: Ryan Moore

    Trainer: A O’Brien

    Career: 17 (3-2-3)

     

    The Cliffsofmoher attracted plenty of attention on its Australian debut, smashing the last 600m of the Caulfield Stakes to finish fourth. The Irish runner followed that up with a placing in the Caulfield Cup, where it crossed just under two lengths behind Best Solution. Like that horse, The Cliffsofmoher is untested over two miles and gives up a bit of weight to the major contenders.

    3. Magic Circle

    Magic Circle Melbourne Cup 2018 7yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Makfi (GB)

    Dam: Minkova (IRE)

    Jockey: Corey Brown

    Trainer: Ian Williams

    Career: 21 (8-1-1)

     

    Magic Circle approaches its Australian debut in career-best form. The seven-year-old gelding stormed home by six lengths in a first-up win at the Chester Cup back in May, then breezed home by a similar margin two weeks later in the Henry II Stakes. It made some very handy horses looks very pedestrian in the latter run, including Red Verdon and Weekender.

    4. Chestnut Coat

    Chestnut Coat Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Chestnut Horse

    Sire: Heart’s Cry (JPN)

    Dam: White Veil (JPN)

    Jockey: Yuga Kawada

    Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi

    Career: 18 (4-5-1)

     

    Chestnut Coat struggled in its first Australian run, winding up 13th in the Caulfield Cup. That was not the Japanese stayer’s first failure on a soft track, so connections will be hoping for much firmer conditions at Flemington. Distance should not be a factor after the five-year-old finished less than two lengths back of the winner in the 3200m Tenno Sho.

    5. Muntahaa

    Muntahaa Melbourne Cup 2018 6yo Grey Gelding

    Sire: Dansili (GB)

    Dam: Qertaas (IRE)

    Jockey: Jim Crowley

    Trainer: J H Gosden

    Career: 15 (4-1-4)

     

    Muntahaa arrives on the back of a sensational win over 2816m in the Ebor Handicap in York. Jim Crowley was in the saddle for that race and takes the reins again at Flemington. A lack of lead-up races in Australia means there is no real hype around the son of Dansili, even though the horse has taken on more distance than the likes of Best Solution and The Cliffsofmoher.

    6. Sound Check

    Sound Check Caulfield Cup 2018 6yo Brown Horse

    Sire: Lando (GER)

    Dam: Sky Dancing (IRE)

    Jockey: Jordan Childs

    Trainer: M D Moroney

    Career: 17 (7-2-1)

     

    Sound Check came into the Caulfield Cup with two wins and two placings under the belt, but the leisurely pace of the race did not suit the German-bred galloper at all. It can handle the distance, however, having won two starts ago in a 3200m at Group Two level. Form around top weight Best Solution in Europe also works in Sound Check’s favour.

    7. Who Shot Thebarman

    Who Shot Thebarman Melbourne Cup 2018 10yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Yamanin Vital (NZ)

    Dam: Ears Carol (NZ)

    Jockey: Ben Melham

    Trainer:C J Waller

    Career: 55 (11-7-4)

     

    Will it be fourth time lucky for Who Shot Thebarman? The 10-year-old Kiwi is something of a cult hero at Flemington, having run third behind Protectionist in 2014 and fifth to Almandin two years later. It won the Sydney Cup over two miles earlier this year and finished well in the Moonee Valley Cup last up. Expect this name to feature in more than a few exotics and place bets on Tuesday.

    8. Ace High

    Ace High Melbourne Cup 2018 4yo Brown Horse

    Sire: High Chaparral (IRE)

    Dam: Come Sunday (AUS)

    Jockey: Tye Angland

    Trainer: David Payne

    Career: 22 (5-3-0)

     

    Track conditioning is the key for Ace High, which has gone unplaced in all six of its runs on soft ground. One of those was last time out in the Caulfield Cup, where it ran 15th in a field of 18. The son of High Chaparral has never raced further than 2500m, but it won the Victoria Derby last year and should enjoy the firmer turf at Flemington this week.

    9. Marmelo

    Marmelo Melbourne Cup 2018 6yo Bay Horse

    Sire: Duke Of Marmalade (IRE)

    Dam: Capriolla (GB)

    Jockey: Hugh Bowman

    Trainer: H Morrison

    Career: 16 (5-6-1)

     

    Connections claimed Marmelo was underdone after it ran a disappointing ninth in last year’s Melbourne Cup. The British and Irish stayer came into that race off a win in the Caulfield Cup, but this time around it heads to Flemington without lead-up races in Australia. The recent form is good, however, with two wins and two placings in four runs.

    10. Avilius

    Avilius Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Brown Gelding

    Sire: Pivotal (GB)

    Dam: Alessandria (GB)

    Jockey: Glyn Schofield

    Trainer: James Cummings

    Career: 12 (6-1-2)

     

    Avilius has starred in Australia, winning four on the trot before running fourth to Winx in the Cox Plate. The Godolphin galloper was especially impressive in The Bart Cummings, where it carried hefty weight over 2500m. The gelding is untried at this distance, but it does have plenty of form around the likes of Cracksman and Finche back in the UK.

    11. Yucatan

    Yucatan Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Bay Horse

    Sire: Galileo (IRE)

    Dam: Six Perfections (FR)

    Jockey: James McDonald

    Trainer: A O’Brien

    Career: 13 (3-3-3)

    Yucatan bolted into Melbourne Cup contention with a comprehensive win over 2400m in the Herbert Power. The margin of victory was only around 1.25 lengths by the time it crossed the line, but only because jockey James McDonald put on the brakes with the result well and truly wrapped up midway down the final straight. The five-year-old son of Galileo will be hard to beat at middle weight.

    12. Auvray

    Auvray Melbourne Cup 2018 8yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Le Havre (IRE)

    Dam: Ameyrah (IRE)

    Jockey: Tommy Berry

    Trainer: R A Freedman

    Career: 39 (8-4-1)

     

    Auvray has registered only one placing in its last four runs, but the most recent of those was a strong effort on heavy ground in the Metropolitan. Middling results mean the eight-year-old Irish gelding will start as a rank outsider at Flemington, although it has decent form over comparable distance with a pair of wins at 3000m.

    13. Finche

    Finche Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Chestnut Horse

    Sire: Frankel (GB)

    Dam: Binche (USA)

    Jockey: Zac Purton

    Trainer: C J Waller

    Career: 9 (3-0-3)

    Finche has a few admirers after finishing well to run third in its Australian debut at the Geelong Cup. That followed a comfortable win over 2500m in the Prix de Reux at Deauville, where the son of Frankel outclassed a former Melbourne Cup runner in Tiberian. The pedigree is there, and UK form around the likes of Avilius and Cracksman is promising.

    14. Red Cardinal

    Red Cardinal Melbourne Cup 2018 7yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Montjeu (IRE)

    Dam: Notable (GB)

    Jockey: Damien Oliver

    Trainer: D K Weir

    Career: 16 (5-3-2)

     

    Red Cardinal was a $16 chance in the Melbourne Cup last year, but it failed to keep up with the pace and ran 11 lengths behind Rekindling. The Darren Weir-trained gelding has recorded only one placing in its last four starts and will need to show considerable improvement to have any hope of contending at Flemington on Tuesday.

    15. Vengeur Masque

    Vengeur Masque Melbourne Cup 2018 7yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Monsun (GER)

    Dam: Venetian Beauty (USA)

    Jockey: Patrick Moloney

    Trainer: M D Moroney

    Career: 26 (4-5-0)

     

    If nothing else, Vengeur Masque has pedigree in its favour. The seven-year-old gelding is a son of Monsun, from which came Melbourne Cup winners in 2014 (Fiorente), 2016 (Almandin) and 2017 (Rekindling). Although it has not placed in four starts, Patrick Moloney’s mount put together a solid run in The Bart Cummings and won the Queen Victoria Stakes here last year.

    16. Ventura Storm

    Ventura Storm Melbourne Cup 2018 6yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Zoffany (IRE)

    Dam: Sarawati (IRE)

    Jockey: >Mark Zahra

    Trainer: D & B Hayes and T Dabernig

    Career: 29 (7-3-2)

     

    Ventura Storm comes in off a track-record win in the Moonee Valley Cup. The six-year-old Irish import also looked good in the Caulfield Cup despite the sluggish pace of the race and was not far behind superstar mare Winx in the Turnbull Stakes. Ridden by Mark Zahra, the gelding has a few followers despite having no experience over two miles.

    17. A Prince of Arran

    A Prince of Arran Melbourne Cup 2018 6yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Shirocco (GER)

    Dam: Storming Sioux (GB)

    Jockey: Michael Walker

    Trainer: Charlie Fellowes

    Career: 28 (5-6-3)

     

    A Prince of Arran booked passage to the Melbourne Cup with a well-executed win in the Lexus Stakes. The gelding has gone the distance before, winning a seven-horse affair in Dubai earlier this year. The big question is whether the son of Shirroco can deliver similar returns in a much bigger, much more competitive field in Australia’s biggest horse race.

    18. Nakeeta

    Nakeeta Melbourne Cup 2018 8yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Sixties Icon (GB)

    Dam: Easy Red (IRE)

    Jockey: Regan Bayliss

    Trainer: Iain Jardine

    Career: 38 (5-8-3)

     

    Nakeeta ran fifth here last year after winning the Ebor Handicap, but the form line is nowhere near as impressive this time around. The eight-year-old has not managed a single place finish in the last 12 months and lost by seven lengths to Muntahaa in defence of the Ebor. Unsurprisingly, the son of Sixties Icon and Easy Red will start at long odds in this year’s Melbourne Cup betting markets.

    19. Sir Charles Road

    Sir Charles Road Melbourne Cup 2018 5yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Myboycharlie (IRE)

    Dam: Giant Mystique (AUS)

    Jockey: Dwayne Dunn

    Trainer: L O’Sullivan & A Scott

    Career: 24 (6-5-4)

     

    Sir Charles Road commenced its spring campaign with an uninspiring seventh behind Best Of Days in the Coongy Cup at Caulfield. It showed improvement in the Bendigo Cup, where it ran third while carrying 57kg. Two attempts over 3200m have returned a fifth in the Auckland Cup and a podium finish in this year’s Sydney Cup, but the five-year-old might lack the pure pace for this class.

    20. Zacada

    Zacada Melbourne Cup 2018 6yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Zabeel (NZ)

    Dam: Lacada (AUS)

    Jockey: Damian Lane

    Trainer: M Baker & A Forsman

    Career: 36 (4-7-5)

     

    Zacada has shown plenty over two miles and looked set for a big spring after running second to Who Shot Thebarman in the Sydney Cup. That form has vanished, however, with no placings and a best finish of eighth in four runs since returning from a spell. That being the case, most punters are looking elsewhere for Melbourne Cup value bets.

    21. Runaway

    Runaway Melbourne Cup 2018 4yo Bay/Brown Gelding

    Sire: Manhattan Rain (AUS)

    Dam: Catshaan (AUS)

    Jockey: Stephen Baster

    Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott

    Career: 17 (4-3-3)

     

    Runaway lived up to its name in the Geelong Cup, where it led from the front and held on for the win. The four-year-old put on a similar show in April when it took out the St Leger over 2800m at Flemington. This is a horse to keep an eye on, to be sure, but 2018 might be a year too soon for the four-year-old Waterhouse and Bott prospect.

    22. Youngstar

    Youngstar Melbourne Cup 2018 4yo Bay Mare

    Sire: High Chaparral (IRE)

    Dam: Starspangled (IRE)

    Jockey: Craig Williams

    Trainer: C J Waller

    Career: 12 (4-1-3)

     

    Youngstar has shone brightly since moving into open grade racing. The four-year-old mare impressed in the Tramway Stakes, then again in the Shannon Stakes, and especially when running within a length of Winx at the Turnbull Stakes. The talent is there for all to see, but does this rising star have the big-race experience to deliver Craig Williams his first Melbourne Cup win?

    23. Cross Counter

    Cross Counter Melbourne Cup 2018 4yo Bay Gelding

    Sire: Teofilo (IRE)

    Dam: Waitress (USA)

    Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy

    Trainer: Charlie Appleby

    Career: 7 (4-2-0)

     

    When a horse’s worst finish in 12 starts is fourth place, punters are going to take notice. Two wins in three and only 51kg in the saddle has catapulted Cross Counter into serious contention for the Melbourne Cup. The Charlie Appleby-trained gelding recently copped a cut to the leg, but everything is looking hunky dory for its Australian debut.

    24. Rostropovich

    Rostropovich Melbourne Cup 2018 4yo Bay Horse

    Sire: Frankel (GB)

    Dam: Tyranny (GB)

    Jockey: Wayne Lordan

    Trainer: A O’Brien

    Career: 13 (4-2-2)

     

    Rostropovich has been there or thereabouts in each of its last five runs, which include a respectable fifth-place finish behind Winx in the Cox Plate. The four-year-old son of Frankel has good form around the likes of Latrobe and Saxon Warrior, but the 3200m journey might prove a little too much for a horse that has never attempted the distance before.


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