A runner-by-runner guide to the 2023 Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup will be run and won on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with our runner-by-runner guide updated when the field is released. Our guide to the Melbourne Cup runners includes the top odds for each horse, recent form and other important betting information.

2023 Melbourne Cup Preview

Melbourne Cup field, form and runner by runner examination

We took a look at the contenders for this year’s Melbourne Cup and gave our impressions on the race that stops a nation ahead of what looms as one of the hardest races to predict in the Australian spring.


2023 Melbourne Cup Field & Runner-by-Runner

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
Taisuya 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

2023 MELBOURNE CUP FULL FORM GUIDE & RUNNER BY RUNNER BETTING PREVIEW

Gold Trip Melbourne Cup 2022

Gold Trip (3)

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
J: James McDonald (58.5kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Horse
  • Sire: Outstrip (GB)
  • Dam: Sarvana (USA)

Win: +650

Place: +190

Best odds at PendleburyBet

1. Gold Trip (14)

7yo H | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: James McDonald (57.5kg)

The reigning Melbourne Cup champion is deserving of being allotted the 57.5kg based on how easily he disposed of his rivals in last year’s race. This doesn’t look to be as difficult as last year, but he will not be getting the conditions that suited him perfectly 12 months ago. In nine starts on Good tracks, he has just one win and three minors to his to his name, but that sole victory did come three runs back when making a mess of his rivals in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m). His run in the Cox Plate (2040m) was a perfect Melbourne Cup trial when finishing on the heels of the the first four, beaten 1.4 lengths. Gold Trip is obviously proven at the trip and with James McDonald on board, will be there or thereabouts when the whips are cracking. The 58.5kg shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but the firm deck has us worried about his winning chances. We’re leaving Gold Trip out of our top four, at our own peril.

Gold Trip silks

Alenquer (9)

T: Mike Moroney
J: Damien Oliver (56.5kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Adlerflug (GER)
  • Dam: Wild Blossom (GER)

Win: +4000

Place: +900

Best odds at Neds

2. Alenquer (9)

6yo G | T: Michael Moroney | J: Damien Oliver (56.5kg)

Can Damien Oliver claim another Melbourne Cup win on his farewell tour? It looks unlikely that the three-time Melbourne Cup hoop will do it aboard Alenquer, but stranger things have happened. The six-year-old gelding from Mike Moroney’s barn will need a massive form reversal, as he has been comfortably held in his three starts this spring. He had traffic issues at his last start, finishing ninth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), when going to the line under a relative hold. He’ll be in the second-half of the Melbourne Cup field upon settling and we doubt he will make up much ground on his more fancied rivals.

Gold Trip silks

Without A Fight (16)

T: Anthony & Sam Freedman
J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Brown
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Teofilo (IRE)
  • Dam: Khor Sheed (GB)

Win: +700

Place: +200

Best odds at Dabble

3. Without A Fight (16)

7yo G | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg)

Can Without A Fight defy history and become the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to complete the Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double? We think he can. The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained runner arrived in time to claim West Wind Blows in the shadows of the winning post to etch his name into Caulfield Cup folklore. He was only second-up in the Caulfield Cup and in the Melbourne Cup can go to another level with another run under his belt. His third-up record is bombproof, winning twice and placing in three goes. This is obviously his hardest test in terms of being a winning chance in a big race, considering he finished 13th, beaten 21.15 lengths in this race last year. Firmer going is more his go and since being under the care of Anthony & Sam Freedman, he is a different galloper. From barrier 16, Mark Zahra will go back towards the rear of the field, but if he can gain a tow into the race, we have no doubt he will stay the trip and finish over the top of his rivals once again.

vauban

Breakup

T: Tatsuya Yoshioka
J: Kohei Matsuyama (55kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Chestnut
  • Sex: Horse
  • Sire: Novelist (IRE)
  • Dam: Little Dun (USA)

Win: +1900

Place: +500

Best odds at Betfair

4. Breakup (18)

6yo H | T: Tatsuya Yoshioka | J: Kohei Matsuyama (55kg)

The only Japanese runner in the 2023 Melbourne Cup comes in the form of Breakup. The Tatsuya Yoshioka-trained five-year-old has already made his presence felt in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), finishing a luckless eighth of the 18 runners. He was poleaxed between runners and lost all momentum under Damian Lane, spelling the end of his chances in that contest. He was clearly very forgivable on that effort, and you only need to peak at his local form to see how talented this son of Novelist can be. He was blown away by the world’s highest-rated horse, Equinox, in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin, but prior to that was closing on the heals of Justin Palace in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (spring) (3200m) over the Melbourne Cup trip. Kohei Matsuyama makes the trip from Japan to steer home Breakup and will be seeking history, as the first winner from the land of the rising sun since Delta Blues in 2006. He is a first four hope.

vauban

Vauban (3)

T: Willie Mullins
J: Ryan Moore (55kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Chestnut
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Gallway (GB)
  • Dam: Waldfest (IRE)

Win: +340

Place: +100

Best odds at Boombet

5. Vauban (3)

6yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: Ryan Moore (55kg)

Vauban is the first of Willie Mullins-trained gallopers engaged in this year’s Melbourne Cup and has been a long-standing favourite to win the race since claiming back-to-back victories in Europe. His first victory was a demolition of Class 2 rivals at Royal Ascot on June 20, as the son of Gallway made every post a winner to score by 7.5 lengths, giving his stable companion Absurde no chance of chasing him down. Vauban then made his way to Naas on August 7 to solidify his spot in the race that stops the nation, leading all the way in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes (2414m), striding away with the prize. The five-year-old gelding is well-weighted in this year’s Cup, with 55kgs unlikely to hinder his winning chances. Ryan Moore makes his way down under for the ride, with his last Melbourne Cup success coming in 2019 aboard Magic Wand. Vauban deserves favouritism on recent form and is a must include in every exotic bet.

vauban

Soulcombe (4)

T: Chris Waller
J: Joao Moreira (53.5kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Frankel (GB)
  • Dam: Ribbons (GER)

Win: +900

Place: +250

Best odds at Picklebet

6. Soulcombe (4)

5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Joao Moreira (53.5kg)

There is no doubt that Soulcombe is a genuine winning chance on Tuesday. However, his barrier manners in recent times have been disgusting, continually missing the start by a margin. He missed the kick by six-lengths in the Caulfield Cup and was forced to do much work after giving up such a start. Joao Moreira has taken the reigns in an attempt to get Soulcombe out of the gates in a more efficient manner. If Soulcombe can jump with them, he will be making his run and potentially appearing the winner at one point or another. However, with too many doubts about his starts, he is another we are happy to take on in the 2023 Melbourne Cup.

Absurde

Absurde (8)

T: Willie Mullins
J: Zac Purton (53kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Fastnet Rock (AUS)
  • Dam: Incroyable (IRE)

Win: +900

Place: +250

Best odds at Bet365

7. Absurde (8)

6yo G | T: Willie Mullins | J: Zac Purton (53kg)

Absurde is the second of two Willie Mullins-trained gallopers heading to Australia for the 2023 Melbourne Cup. The son of Fastnet Rock warrants plenty of respect after gaining entry to this event after drawing away convincingly in the Class 2 Ebor Handicap at York on August 26. He was able to hold off all challengers under Frankie Dettori, despite lugging 60.5kg throughout the 2816m journey, and should have no issues staying the Melbourne Cup journey over 3200m. The five-year-old gelding boasts a second-place finish behind the current Melbourne Cup favourite and stablemate, Vauban, holding him in good stead for the first Tuesday of November. Hong Kong’s leading hoop Zac Purton makes his way back to Australia to take the mount, and with only 53kgs on his back, Absurde isn’t going to know himself. Consider him a genuine winning chance, despite the price.

Right You Are silks

Right You Are (15)

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
J: John Allen (53kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: So You Think (NZ)
  • Dam: Leica Ding (NZ)

Win: +3000

Place: +700

Best odds at Unibet

8. Right You Are (15)

6yo G | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: John Allen (53kg)

Right You Are has been going along ok this campaign, without ever really threatening. He was one of the best of the pace setters in a keenly contested Caulfield Cup, finishing fifth, beaten 4.15 lengths. He will be in the leading division once again on Tuesday, but we have our doubts whether he can see out 3200m and will be outclassed in this.

Vow And Declare Melbourne Cup 2023

Vow And Declare (19)

T: Danny O’Brien
J: Billy Egan (53kg)
  • Age: 8YO
  • Color: Chestnut
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Declaration Of War (USA)
  • Dam: Geblitzt (NZ)

Win: +3000

Place: +750

Best odds at PendleburyBet

9. Vow And Declare (19)

8yo G | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Billy Egan (53kg)

Can Vow And Declare repeat his heroics from 2019? We are giving the now eight-year-old gelding a massive push in his bid to claim a second Melbourne Cup. He put in a terrific Melbourne Cup trial when finishing second in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 27. The run was massive, he was forced to travel three wide with no cover throughout, yet still had the audacity to loom up and hit the lead with 100m to go. He ran into one better on the night, with Cleveland pouncing on his vulnerability late. Barrier 19 on Tuesday is a bit of a blow, but the in-form Billy Egan will look to find cover in the three-wide moving line if possible. He is obviously proven at the 3200m, unlike a few of his rivals and he is sure to appreciate the firmer deck. A similar effort to what he put forward in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, will have Vow And Declare there when the whips are cracking. In our eyes, he is the best each-way play in the Melbourne Cup.

Cleveland Melbourne Cup 2023

Cleveland (23)

T: Kris Lees
J: Michael Dee (52kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Horse
  • Sire: Camelot (GB)
  • Dam: Venus de Milo (IRE)

10. Cleveland (23)

6yo H | T: Kris Lees | J: Michael Dee (52kg)

Cleveland was the beneficiary of Vow And Declare’s bad luck in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and brings ok enough form to be considered a chance on Tuesday. He was given an inch-perfect steer from James McDonald on that night, but from barrier 23, we have our concerns as to where he will land after the jump. If he goes back to the rear, Cleveland doesn’t have the turn of foot that some of his rivals have. If he rolls forward, he is likely to be trapped wide throughout, potentially without cover. On that basis, we’re happy to leave Cleveland alone in the Cup.Scratched.

Ashrun silks

Ashrun (11)

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
J: Kerrin McEvoy (51.5kg)
  • Age: 8YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Authorized (IRE)
  • Dam: Ashantee (GER)

Win: +2500

Place: +600

Best odds at Dabble

11. Ashrun (11)

8yo G | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Kerrin McEvoy (51.5kg)

Ashrun booked his spot in the Melbourne Cup with a massive effort in the Group 3 Geelong Cup. He will have his second crack at the Melbourne Cup, having finished 10th in the race back in 2020 when defeated 4.8 lengths by Twilight Payment. The son of Authorized is hardly the runner he was back then due to injury, but with Kerrin McEvoy onboard will be given every chance. It is hard to make too much of a case for Ashrun and we expect a midfield finish for the eight-year-old.

Daqiansweet Junior Melbourne Cup 2023

Daqiansweet Junior

T: Phillip Stokes
J: Daniel Stackhouse
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Bay or Brown
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Sweet Orange (USA)
  • Dam: Paulette (NZ)

Win: +8000

Place: +1600

Best odds at Betfair

12. Daqiansweet Junior (12)

6yo G | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (51.5kg)

Daqiansweet Junior has been struggling in much weaker competition than what he faces on Tuesday. The six-year-old hasn’t finished in the top three of a race since April 2022 and hasn’t tasted success since his win in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup. He did put in the third best last 200m split in the 2022 Melbourne Cup when beaten 7.25 lengths, so at his best, he could be an outside chance for first four players. However, his three runs this campaign, cannot fill anyone with confidence.

Okita Soushi

Okita Soushi (20)

T: Joseph O’Brien
J: Dylan Gibbons (51.5kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Stallion
  • Sire: Galileo (IRE)
  • Dam: Amicus (UNR)

Win: +5000

Place: +1100

Best odds at Boombet

13. Okita Soushi (20)

6yo H | T: Joseph O’Brien | J: Dylan Gibbons (51.5kg)

Okita Soushi has already had a run since getting off the float for the Joseph O’Brien stable, finishing 10 lengths away in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21. The colt by Galileo was considered a shade disappointing by many – particularly with his overseas credentials reading quite well prior to that effort. He took out the Class 2 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (2414m), holding off Hms President by a neck on the wire, pronouncing himself as a Melbourne Cup type, with the ability to outstay his rivals. He must be considered hard to have heading into Tuesday, however, Dylan Gibbons gets his chance to make his mark on Australia’s greatest race with his first-ever ride in a Melbourne Cup. Okita Soushi will need to make massive improvements to be in the finish here.

Sheraz

Sheraz (22)

T: Chris Waller
J: Beau Mertens (51.5kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
  • Dam: Shemiyla (IRE)

Win: +10000

Place: +1900

Best odds at Picklebet

14. Sheraz (22)

7yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Beau Mertens (51.5kg)

Sheraz was only beaten two-lengths in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, but is set to go around at cricket score odds on Tuesday. There’s a few runners at a tighter quote that are going worse than him, especially if he can replicate his last start. Barrier 22 means Beau Mertens will need to go towards the rear of the field and spot his rivals (and better horses a big start). If you can find a market for Sheraz to finish in the top 10, he could be a sneaky bet with the top bookmakers in a market like that, but it is unlikely he features in the finish.

Lastotchka

Lastotchka (21)

T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
J: Craig Williams (51kg)
  • Age: 4YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Mare
  • Sire: Myboycharlie (IRE)
  • Dam: Muthia (GB)

Win: +1800

Place: +450

Best odds at Bet365

15. Lastotchka (21)

5yo M | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Craig Williams (51.5kg)

Lastotchka will make her Australian debut since arriving to the Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) barn. The French import was formerly trained by Jean-Marie Beguigne and had a career record that reads (10:4-2-1). The four-year-old mare was able to peak at her final French start, securing a career highlight in the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m) at Longchamp on September 3. Lastotchka gains the services of Craig Williams hopping aboard, and although her profile suggests a wet track may suit her best, we can’t dismiss her chances in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. From barrier 21, Williams will roll forward and considering this girl’s staying credentials, she will be in this for a long way, as long as she can handle the firmer deck. She’ll give a big sight up on speed and we’re happy to have Lastotchka in our top four on Tuesday.

Magical Lagoon

Magical Lagoon (7)

T: Chris Waller
J: Mark Du Plessis (51kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Mare
  • Sire: Galileo (IRE)
  • Dam: Night Lagoon (GB)

Win: +10000

Place: +1700

Best odds at Unibet

16. Magical Lagoon (7)

5yo M | T: Chris Waller | J: Mark Du Plessis (51kg)

Magical Lagoon was feeling the pinch late in the Geelong Cup and was overrun by her rivals. That was over 2400m and the extra 800m she gets on Tuesday, doesn’t look like it will favour her too much. Mark Du Plessis will have her settled close to the speed and she will be there or thereabouts on the home turn. However, she is $101 with Unibet for a reason, having not won since arriving in Australia and struggling in easier company. Magical Lagoon might be in the final few to cross the line and does not feature in our Melbourne Cup tips.

Military Mission silks

Military Mission (5)

T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
J: Rachel King (51kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Grey/Brown
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Mastercraftsman (IRE)
  • Dam: Atlantic Isle (GB)

Win: +2000

Place: +500

Best odds at PendleburyBet

17. Military Mission (5)

6yo G | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Rachel King (51kg)

Military Mission has been in fine form in weaker grade this campaign and could spring a surprise on Tuesday. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained runner produced a strong finish to claim the Herbert Power Stakes, producing a similar run that saw him win the Newcastle Gold Cup three runs back. The run splitting those two efforts was when finishing fourth in the Group 1 Metropolitan. He will gain every favour in running from barrier five under Rachel King and he looks like he will appreciate every bit of the 3200m. He has a nice turn of foot compared to some of his rivals at a similar price and we can see Military Mission finding a way into first four calculations.

Serpentine Melbourne Cup 2022

Serpentine (1)

T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
J: Jye McNeil (51kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Chestnut
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Galileo (IRE)
  • Dam: Remember When (IRE)

Win: +3400

Place: +850

Best odds at Neds

18. Serpentine (1)

7yo G | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Jye McNeil (51kg)

The only natural leader in the Melbourne Cup is Serpentine. He has been racing consistently in weaker company and is back for a second crack at the race that stops the nation. He struggled to see out the 3200m last year, going to the line eased-up a long way out from home. He will be leading the field up on Tuesday and despite being rock hard fit, it is unlikely he will be beating many of his rivals home despite drawing the ace barrier.

Virtuous Circle silks

Virtuous Circle (6)

T: Liam Howley
J: Craig Newitt (51kg)
  • Age: 4YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Horse
  • Sire: Almanzor (FR)
  • Dam: She Is Stryking

Win: +10000

Place: +2000

Best odds at Dabble

19. Virtuous Circle (6)

4yo H | T: Liam Howley | J: Craig Newitt (51kg)

The Liam Howley-trained Virtuous Circle hands his trainer a first Melbourne Cup starter, but that looks to be as positive a sign we can find for him. He has been beaten a combined 22 lengths in four runs this campaign and he was only fair going to the line the Geelong Cup when beaten 4.6 lengths. This is much harder obviously and considering he needs to make up a stack of ground on his rivals from the Geelong Cup and then again on some genuine Group 1 stayers, it is easy to see why he is such a big price.

More Felons silks

More Felons (24)

T: Chris Waller
J: Jamie Kah (50.5kg)
  • Age: 5YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Churchill (IRE)
  • Dam: Pivotalia (IRE)

Win: +2500

Place: +650

Best odds at Betfair

20. More Felons (24)

5yo G | T: Chris Waller | J: Jamie Kah (50.5kg)

More Felons put in an eye-catching run when finishing fifth in the Geelong Cup when beaten half a length. He gave his rivals a massive start on that, his Australian debut, so with the run under his belt, he is sure to improve. Jamie Kah is in good form now after riding a double on VRC Derby day and with 50.5kg on his back, More Felons can run a bottler on Tuesday. From barrier 24, More Felons will settle at the rear of the field, but much like stablemate Sheraz, is a chance of finishing in the top 10 and potentially push for higher honours with even luck.

Future History silks

Future History (13)

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
J: Hollie Doyle (50kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Showcasing (GB)
  • Dam: Likelihood (USA)

Win: +1800

Place: +450

Best odds at Boombet

21. Future History (13)

6yo G | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Hollie Doyle (50kg)

Future History was forced to sustain a long run in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and despite only going down late, looks a genuine each-way play in the Melbourne Cup. The six-year-old gelding showed his tactical versatility when settling at the rear of the field and making a long run. Prior to that, he was a dominant all the way winner in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings when booking his spot in the Cup. British gun hoop Hollie Doyle comes over to take the ride and from barrier 13, we expect she will have Future History settle outside Serpentine throughout. He looks to have plenty of upside and is rock hard fit heading into the Melbourne Cup. He is a genuine first four hope and Future History is certainly in the right stable to cause a major upset.

Interpretation silks

Interpretation (17)

T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
J: Teo Nugent (50kg)
  • Age: 6YO
  • Color: Brown
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Galileo (IRE)
  • Dam: Daldiyna (FR)

Win: +8000

Place: +1600

Best odds at Picklebet

22. Interpretation (17)

6yo G | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Teo Nugent (50kg)

Interpretation broke a massive run of outs when claiming a weak edition of the Bendigo Cup. His form prior to that was only average and was beaten 3.4 lengths in The Bart Cummings. He was held up for a run that day, so the run might have been better than what it seems on paper. However, barrier 17 will mean he will need to roll forward in a field like this and he looks almost certain to be trapped wide, or be forced to work too much early on. He didn’t see out the 3200m last year and we are unsure if Interpretation is capable of doing it 12 months later.

Interpretation silks

Kalapour (14)

T: Kris Lees
J: Zac Lloyd (50kg)
  • Age: 7YO
  • Color: Bay
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: War Command (IRE)
  • Dam: Daldiyna (FR)

Win: +6000

Place: +1300

Best odds at Bet365

23. Kalapour (14)

7yo G | T: Kris Lees | J: Zac Lloyd (50kg)

Kalapour booked his spot with a dominant win in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on VRC Derby Day and is set to back up three days later into the Melbourne Cup. Damien Oliver was able to dictate terms perfectly throughout, but the map and difficulty in field is much more against him this time around. From barrier 14, he will be worst than midfield and despite young gun Zac Lloyd on board and just 50kg on his back, it is hard to see how Kalapour features in the finish of the Melbourne Cup.

Interpretation silks

True Marvel (14)

T: Matthew Smith
J: Ben Thompson (50kg)
  • Age: 8YO
  • Color: Brown
  • Sex: Gelding
  • Sire: Masked Marvel (GB)
  • Dam: Anecdotique (GB)

Win: +10000

Place: +2000

Best odds at Unibet

24. True Marvel (10)

8yo G | T: Matthew Smith | J: Ben Thompson (50kg)

Arguably the rank outsider of the field is True Marvel. The Matthew Smith-trained runner shocked the world when finishing second in the Sydney Cup earlier in the year, but that is seemingly a blip on the radar. He has been beaten a combined 35 lengths in four starts this campaign and has hardly shown much to suggest he is a contender on the first Tuesday in November.

2023 Melbourne Cup selections & best bets

Selections:

$100 betting strategy

$100 Win – Without A Fight Silk #3 Without A Fight (16)

7YO Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg)

+600 with Betfair


2023 Melbourne Cup odds

Stay tuned for updated Melbourne Cup 2023 odds.


Background to Melbourne Cup qualification

Forget The Championships and all the other competitors, the true pinnacle of racing in Australia is the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

While there is plenty of fanfare in Melbourne about the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate, the true jewel in the crown of spring racing is the time-honoured Melbourne Cup.

A true international race, the Melbourne Cup sees the best staying horses from around the globe bring their talents to the Victorian capital in search of group one glory.

Mid-way through the year the nominations for the Cup are released, and that list is eventually whittled down to 24 on the Saturday prior to Tuesday’s race day.

Almandin
2016 Melbourne Cup winner Almandin was a popular victor in the great race. (John Donegan/Racing Photos)

Melbourne Cup Betting Guides


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Dion Jacolyn Seneviratne
Dion Jacolyn Seneviratne
3 years ago

STRATUM ALBION
TIGER MOTH
SURPRISE BABY

My three against the field. Stratum form is very close to Tiger Moth and is five times the odds. I think nailed on each way bet.