Which letters win more Melbourne Cups?
If we’re going to get right down in to the facts, figures, statistics and form of the 2023 Melbourne Cup, we need to look at which alphabetical letter gives our punters the best chance of Cup success.
The most successful Melbourne Cup letter is “T” having won the cup 17 times; not only did the Letter “T” take out the 2020 Melbourne Cup with Twilight Payment crossing the line in first but also had Tiger Moth come in second place. In something of a rarity, only True Marvel will attempt to make it win number 18 for “T” in 2023.
The letter “P” is the second most successful Melbourne Cup letter having won two of the past nine Melbourne Cup with Protectionist in 2014, and Prince Of Penzance in 2015; and has won 14 of the 162 Melbourne Cups. But you have to go way back to 1972 to find the previous “P” winner, Piping Lane. In 2023 there will no one to carry the hopes of “P”.
“M’ and “S” are next most successful letters for Melbourne Cup winning horses with 12 wins each, although “M” hasn’t won since 2005 with the last of Makybe Diva’s three Melbourne Cup wins. “M” won the cup four years in a row between Makybe Diva and Media Puzzle in 2002. Shocking was the last “S” winner in 2009.
Okita Soushi will carry the torch for “O” to win The Cup this year. He will look to break a losing run of outs for “O” that has continued unabated since 1940 when Old Rowley won the race.
Horses starting with the letters “I”, “Q”, “”U”, “X” and “Y” have never won the Melbourne Cup. Only Interpretation can have any impact on that statistic this year.
Notably “V” has won five Melbourne Cup two out of the last four years with Vow And Declare in 2019 and Verry Elleegant in 2021. In 2023, Vow And Declare, Vauban and Virtuous Circle will carry the hopes of “V” backers.
Useful stats to remember while you consider you best picks and tips for this years race while reading our 2023 Melbourne Cup betting guide.
Bet on the 2023 Melbourne Cup
Melbourne Cup Winners By Letters
Starting Initial | Wins | Last |
---|---|---|
A | 11 | 2016 |
B | 11 | 2000 |
C | 9 | 2018 |
D | 9 | 2011 |
E | 5 | 2007 |
F | 2 | 2013 |
G | 11 | 2022 |
H | 5 | 1979 |
I | 0 | – |
J | 3 | 1998 |
K | 5 | 1990 |
L | 6 | 1991 |
M | 12 | 2005 |
N | 4 | 1929 |
O | 1 | 1940 |
P | 14 | 2015 |
Q | 0 | – |
R | 10 | 2017 |
S | 12 | 2009 |
T | 18 | 2020 |
U | 0 | – |
V | 5 | 2021 |
W | 8 | 1985 |
X | 0 | – |
Y | 0 | – |
Z | 1 | 1881 |