Which horses are running in the 2024 Melbourne Cup?
If you are looking for the latest on the 2024 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 was confirmed on Saturday, November 2, 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.
2024 Melbourne Cup Horses
1. Vauban (11)
- T: Willie Mullins
- J: William Buick
- W: 55.5kg
- F: 21342
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Chestnut
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Galiway (GB)
- Dam: Waldfest (GB)
2. Buckaroo (21)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Joao Moreira
- W: 54.5kg
- F: 22118
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Fastnet Rock
- Dam: Roheryn (IRE)
3. Circle Of Fire (24)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Mark Zahra
- W: 54.5kg
- F: 098×1
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Almanzor (FR)
- Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB)
4. Warp Speed (3)
- T: Noboru Takagi
- J: Akira Sugawara
- W: 54.5kg
- F: 0x523
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Drefong (USA)
- Dam: Deep Love (JPN)
5. Kovalica (17)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Damian Lane
- W: 53.5kg
- F: 6243x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Ocean Park (NZ)
- Dam: Vitesse (NZ)
6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (15)
- T: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson
- J: Michael Dee
- W: 53.5kg
- F: 3020x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Redwood (GB)
- Dam: Queen Margaret (NZ)
7. Just Fine (13)
- T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
- J: Jye McNeil
- W: 53kg
- F: 01050
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
- Dam: Bint Almatar (USA)
8. Land Legend (18)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Zac Purton
- W: 53kg
- F: 3160x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Chestnut
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Galileo (IRE)
- Dam: Landikusic (IRE)
9. Absurde (7)
- T: Willie Mullins
- J: Kerrin McEvoy
- W: 52.5kg
- F: x14x1
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Fastnet Rock
- Dam: Incroyable (USA)
10. Athabascan (2)
- T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton
- J: Zac Lloyd
- W: 52kg
- F: 1008x
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Almanzor (FR)
- Dam: Alzubra (GB)
11. Knight’s Choice (6)
- T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon
- J: Robbie Dolan
- W: 51.5kg
- F: 5009x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Extreme Choice
- Dam: Midnight Pearl
12. Okita Soushi (10)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Jamie Kah
- W: 51kg
- F: 1208x
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Galileo (IRE)
- Dam: Amicus
13. Onesmoothoperator (12)
- T: Brian Ellison
- J: Craig Williams
- W: 51kg
- F: 1471x
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Dialed In (USA)
- Dam: Sueno D’Oro (USA)
14. Zardozi (4)
- T: James Cummings
- J: Andrea Atzeni
- W: 51kg
- F: 54256
- Age: 4YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Kingman (GB)
- Dam: Chanderi (GB)
15. Sea King (1)
- T: Harry Eustace
- J: Hollie Doyle
- W: 50.5kg
- F: 1×631
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Brown
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
- Dam: Pamona (IRE)
16. Valiant King (22)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Craig Newitt
- W: 50.5kg
- F: 906×6
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Grey
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Roaring Lion (USA)
- Dam: Assembly (USA)
17. Fancy Man (19)
- T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald
- J: Ron Stewart
- W: 50kg
- F: 635×0
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Pride of Dubai
- Dam: Fancy (IRE)
18. Interpretation (14)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Teo Nugent
- W: 50kg
- F: 26800
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Brown
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Galileo (IRE)
- Dam: Daldiyna (FR)
19. Manzoice (8)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Declan Bates
- W: 50kg
- F: 7032x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Almanzor (FR)
- Dam: Choice (NZ)
20. Mostly Cloudy (16)
- T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
- J: Karis Teetan
- W: 50kg
- F: 044×2
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Harzand (IRE)
- Dam: Clarinda (FR)
21. Positivity (20)
- T: Andrew Forsman
- J: Winona Costin
- W: 50kg
- F: 8712x
- Age: 4YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Almanzor (FR)
- Dam: Pussy O’Reilly (NZ)
22. Saint George (9)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Tyler Schiller
- W: 50kg
- F: 5948x
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Grey
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Roaring Lion (USA)
- Dam: Lady Dragon (IRE)
23. The Map (23)
- T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray
- J: Rachel King
- W: 50kg
- F: 6509x
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Alpine Eagle
- Dam: This Moment
Recent Melbourne Cup horses
No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds 1 Gold Trip Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Mark Zahra 14 57.5kg $13 2 Duais Edward Cummings Hugh Bowman 10 55.5kg $21 3 Knights Order Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 24 55.5kg $21 4 Montefilia David Payne Jason Collett 11 55.5kg $11 5 Numerian Annabel Neasham Tommy Berry 7 55.5kg $61 6 Without A Fight Simon & Ed Crisford William Buick 18 55.5kg $11 7 Camorra Ben & JD Hayes Ben Melham 17 55kg $41 8 Deauville Legend James Ferguson Kerrin McEvoy 9 55kg $3.80 9 Stockman Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 2 54kg $34 10 Vow And Declare Danny O’Brien Blake Shinn 4 54kg $18 11 Young Werther Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 21 54kg $26 12 Hoo Ya Mal Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Craig Williams 15 53.5kg $21 13 Serpentine Robert Hickmott John Allen 23 53.5kg $61 14 Daqiansweet Junior Phillip Stokes Daniel Moor 13 53kg $51 15 Grand Promenade Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Harry Coffey 1 53kg $61 16 Arapaho Bjorn Baker Rachel King 19 52.5kg $101 17 Emissary Mike Moroney Patrick Moloney 3 51.5kg $21 18 Lunar Flare Grahame Begg Michael Dee 12 51.5kg $21 19 Smokin’ Romans Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jamie Kah 16 51.5kg $21 20 Tralee Rose Symon Wilde Dean Yendall 22 51kg $101 21 Point Nepean Robert Hickmott Wayne Lordan 20 51kg $71 22 High Emocean Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Teo Nugent 8 50kg $51 23 Interpretation Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Craig Newitt 6 50kg $41 24 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 Joseph O’Brien Jye McNeil 2 58kg $11 2 Incentivise Peter Moody Brett Prebble 16 57kg $2.50 3 Spanish Mission Andrew Balding Craig Williams 14 57kg $9 4 Verry Elleegant Chris Waller James McDonald 19 57kg $15 5 Explosive Jack C Maher & D Eustace John Allen 4 54kg $51 6 The Chosen One M Baker & A Forsman Damian Lane 5 54kg $61 7 Delphi A & S Freedman Damien Oliver 3 53.5kg $41 8 Ocean Billy Chris Waller Damian Thornton 13 53.5kg $101 9 Selino Chris Waller Ron Stewart 24 53.5kg $151 10 Johnny Get Angry Denis Pagan Lachlan King 22 53kg $101 11 Knights Order G Waterhouse & A Bott Daniel Stackhouse 9 53kg $201 12 Persan C Maher & D Eustace Luke Currie 11 53kg $31 13 Carif P & P Snowden Blaike McDougall 8 52.5kg $201 14 Master Of Wine Team Hawkes Fred Kersley 6 52.5kg $101 15 Pondus Robert Hickmott Rachel King 1 52.5kg $41 16 Grand Promenade C Maher & D Eustace Kerrin McEvoy 21 52kg $21 17 Miami Bound Danny O’Brien Patrick Moloney 17 52kg $151 18 Port Guillaume Ben & JD Hayes Harry Coffey 23 52kg $151 19 She’s Ideel Bjorn Baker Craig Newitt 20 52kg $101 20 Future Score Matt Cumani Dean Yendall 15 51.5kg SCR 21 Tralee Rose Symon Wilde Dean Holland 12 51kg $17 22 Floating Artist C Maher & D Eustace Teo Nugent 10 50kg $18 23 Great House Chris Waller Michael Dee 7 50kg $31 24 Sir Lucan G Waterhouse & A Bott Glen Boss 18 50kg $26 - Anthony Van DyckT: Aidan O’BrienJ: Hugh Bowman (58.5kg)
1
Anthony Van Dyck (3)
Ireland5YO Bay Horse
Hugh Bowman (58.5kg)
Aidan O’Brien
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.
Anthony Van Dyck 2nd to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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AviliusT: James CummingsJ: John Allen (57kg)2
Avilius (10)
United Kingdom7YO Brown Gelding
John Allen (57kg)
James Cummings
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.
Avilius 6th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Vow & DeclareT: Danny O’BrienJ: Jamie Mott (57kg)3
Vow And Declare (4)
Australia5YO Chestnut Gelding
Jamie Mott (57kg)
Danny O’Brien
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.
Vow And Declare 15th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Master Of Reality (11)T: Aidan O’BrienJ: Ben Melham (56kg)4
Master Of Reality (11)
Ireland6YO Bay Gelding
Ben Melham (56kg)
Aidan O’Brien
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.
Vow And Declare 15th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Sir Dragonet (14)T: Ciaron Maher & David EustaceJ: Glen Boss (55.5kg)5
Sir Dragonet (14)
Ireland5YO Bay Horse
Glen Boss (55.5kg)
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
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.
Sir Dragonet wins 2020 Cox Plate
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Twilight Payment (12)T: Joseph O’BrienJ: Jye McNeil (55.5kg)6
Twilight Payment (12)
Ireland8YO Bay Horse
Jye McNeil (55.5kg)
Joseph O’Brien
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.
Twilight Payment 3rd 2020 Irish St Leger
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Verry Elleegant (15)T: Chris WallerJ: Mark Zahra (55.5kg)7
Verry Elleegant (15)
New Zealand5YO Brown Mare
Mark Zahra (55.5kg)
Chris Waller
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.
Verry Elleegant wins 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Mustajeer (2)T: Kris LeesJ: Michael Rodd (55kg)8
Mustajeer (2)
United Kingdom8YO Brown Gelding
Michael Rodd (55kg)
Kris Lees
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.
Mustajeer 8th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Stratum Albion (9)T: Willie MullinsJ: Jordan Childs (55kg)9
Stratum Albion (9)
United Kingdom8YO Bay Gelding
Jordan Childs (55kg)
Willie Mullins
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.
Stratum Albion (Stratum) 2nd 2020 Lonsdale Cup
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Dashing Willoughby (19)T: Andrew BaldingJ: Michael Walker (54.5kg)10
Dashing Willoughby (19)
United Kingdom5YO Bay Gelding
Michael Walker (54.5kg)
Andrew Balding
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.
Dashing Willoughby 18th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Finche (6)T: Chris WallerJ: James McDonald (54.5kg)11
Finche (6)
United Kingdom7YO Chestnut Gelding
James McDonald (54.5kg)
Chris Waller
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
Finche 5th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Prince Of Arran (1)T: Charlie FellowesJ: Jamie Kah (54.5kg)12
Prince Of Arran (1)
United Kingdom8YO Bay Gelding
Jamie Kah (54.5kg)
Charlie Fellowes
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
Prince Of Arran 4th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Surprise Baby (7)T: Paul PreuskerJ: Craig Williams (54.5kg)13
Surprise Baby (7)
New Zealand6YO Bay or Brown Gelding
Craig Williams (54.5kg)
Paul Preusker
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.
Surprise Baby 9th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Turnbull Stakes
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King Of Leogrance (18)T: Danny O’BrienJ: Damian Lane (53.5kg)14
King Of Leogrance (18)
France6YO Bay Gelding
Damian Lane (53.5kg)
Danny O’Brien
SCRATCHED
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.King Of Leogrance 3rd to Steel Prince – 2020 Geelong Cup
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Russian Camelot (16)T: Danny O’BrienJ: Damien Oliver (53.5kg)15
Russian Camelot (16)
Ireland4YO Bay or Brown Horse
Damien Oliver (53.5kg)
Danny O’Brien
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.
Russian Camelot 3rd to Sir Dragonet – 2020 Cox Plate
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Steel Prince (21)T: Anthony & Sam FreedmanJ: William Pike (53.5kg)16
Steel Prince (21)
Ireland7YO Bay Gelding
William Pike (53.5kg)
Anthony & Sam Freedman
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.
Steel Prince wins 2020 Geelong Cup
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The Chosen One (5)T: Murray Baker & Andrew ForsmanJ: Daniel Stackhouse (53.5kg)17
The Chosen One (5)
New Zealand5YO Bay Horse
Daniel Stackhouse (53.5kg)
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
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.
The Chosen One 3rd to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Ashrun (24)T: Andreas WohlerJ: Declan Bates (53kg)18
Ashrun (24)
France5YO Bay Horse
Declan Bates (53kg)
Andreas Wohler
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.
Ashrun wins 2020 Hotham Handicap
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Warning (8)T: Anthony & Sam FreedmanJ: Luke Currie (53kg)19
Warning (8)
Australia4YO Chestnut Gelding
Luke Currie (53kg)
Anthony & Sam Freedman
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.
Warning 12th to Verry Elleegant – 2020 Caulfield Cup
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Etah James (22)T: Ciaron Maher & David EustaceJ: Billy Egan (52.5kg)20
Etah James (22)
New Zealand8YO Brown Mare
Billy Egan (52.5kg)
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
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.
Etah James 4th to Miami Bound – 2020 Moonee Valley Cup
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Tiger Moth (23)T: Aidan O’BrienJ: Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg)21
Tiger Moth (23)
Ireland4YO Bay Horse
Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg)
Aidan O’Brien
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.
Tiger Moth wins 2020 Kilternan Stakes
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Oceanex (17)T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)J: Dean Yendall (51.5kg)22
Oceanex (17)
New Zealand5YO Bay or Brown Mare
Dean Yendall (51.5kg)
Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
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.
Oceanex 3rd to Miami Bound – 2020 Moonee Valley Cup
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Miami Bound (13)T: Danny O’BrienJ: Daniel Moor (51kg)23
Miami Bound (13)
New Zealand4YO Bay Mare
Daniel Moor (51kg)
Danny O’Brien
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.
Miami Bound wins 2020 Moonee Valley Cup
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Persan (20)T: Ciaron Maher & David EustaceJ: Michael Dee (51kg)24
Persan (20)
Australian4YO Brown Horse
Michael Dee (51kg)
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
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.
Persan wins 2020 Bart Cummings
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No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Odds 1 Cross Counter Charlie Appleby William Buick 5 57.5kg $13 2 Mer De Glace Hisashi Shimizu Damian Lane 2 56kg $9 3 Master Of Reality Joseph O’Brien Frankie Dettori 1 55.5kg $26 4 Mirage Dancer T Busuttin & N Young Ben Melham 13 55.5kg $34 5 Southern France C Maher & D Eustace Mark Zahra 14 55.5kg $23 6 Hunting Horn Aidan O’Brien Seamie Heffernan 11 55kg $46 7 Latrobe Joseph O’Brien James Mcdonald 13 55kg $46 8 Mustajeer Kris Lees Damien Oliver 6 55kg $21 9 Rostropovich D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Dwayne Dunn 12 55kg $101 10 Twilight Payment Joseph O’Brien Hugh Bowman 19 55kg $41 11 Finche Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 4 54kg $41 12 Prince Of Arran Charlie Fellowes Michael Walker 8 54kg $19 13 Raymond Tusk Richard Hannon Jamie Spencer 3 54kg $23 14 Downdraft Joseph O’Brien John Allen 15 53.5kg $20 15 Magic Wand Aidan O’Brien John Allen 14 53.5kg $19 16 Neufbosc D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Luke Nolen 23 53.5kg $251 17 Sound Mike Moroney James Winks 10 53.5kg $126 18 Surprise Baby Paul Preusker Jordan Childs 20 53.5kg $15 19 Constantinople D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Joao Moreira 7 52.5kg $10 20 Il Paradiso Aidan O’Brien Wayne Lordan 17 52.5kg $14 21 Steel Prince Anthony Freedman Brett Prebble 16 52.5kg $71 22 The Chosen One M Baker & A Forsman Tim Clark 18 52kg $71 23 Vow And Declare Dan O’Brien Craig Williams 21 52kg $12 24 Youngstar Chris Waller Tommy Berry 9 52kg $34 1. Best Solution
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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