Let’s dive into the contenders for the prestigious Melbourne Cup, each with their unique strengths and stories to tell. This lineup has some standout talent, with each horse ready to battle it out over the long haul.
Vauban
Coming off a strong campaign in Europe, Vauban brings international experience to the Melbourne Cup. With William Buick in the saddle, he’s set to deliver a powerful performance after an impressive lead-up form.
- Form: 24312
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Jockey: William Buick
- Distance Record: Proven over 3000m+, which should suit the Cup’s testing 3200m.
- Verdict: One of the top contenders with solid credentials, Vauban looks primed for a strong finish.
Buckaroo
A versatile and consistent contender, Buckaroo has proven his mettle with a string of commendable finishes. Most recently, he ran a solid second in the Caulfield Cup, holding his own on a soft track despite a crowded field. If he can handle the extended distance, he’ll be a real threat.
- Form: 81122
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Joao Moreira
- Distance Record: First attempt at 3200m; if he takes to the distance, expect him to contend strongly.
- Verdict: Given his proven performance on softer ground, Buckaroo might surprise, especially if conditions favor him.
Circle Of Fire
After some mixed performances, Circle Of Fire has room to improve. With a solid build-up and the right guidance from Mark Zahra, this could be his chance to shine, but he’ll need to find another gear to be competitive over 3200m.
- Form: 1×890
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Mark Zahra
- Distance Record: Limited, but has previously shown promise over extended distances.
- Verdict: Not a front-runner, yet he might sneak into contention with a patient ride and a bit of luck.
Warp Speed
Fresh off a rest, Warp Speed returned with a less-than-ideal run at Caulfield but had an impressive second-up performance overseas. Akira Sugawara will need to help him find rhythm over the trip. His chances hinge on a big improvement in form, but his track record overseas suggests potential.
- Form: 325×0
- Trainer: N Takagi
- Jockey: Akira Sugawara
- Distance Record: Suits longer distances, especially on dry ground.
- Verdict: If he returns to his international form, he could be a dark horse for a place.
Kovalica
A solid contender who has held his ground in recent races, Kovalica might just hit his stride over the longer distance. His sixth-place finish in the Cox Plate indicates he’s in good shape. Damian Lane will look to position him well early to stay competitive.
- Form: X3426
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Damian Lane
- Distance Record: First try at 3200m, but his staying ability suggests he’ll cope.
- Verdict: Worth a look if he shows the same resilience seen in recent performances.
Sharp ‘N’ Smart
This versatile gelding bounced back after a rough start this season. With his recent third in the Moonee Valley Cup, Sharp ‘N’ Smart has proven that he can rally under pressure. Expect Michael Dee to keep him in touch and possibly pull off a strong finish.
- Form: X0203
- Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson
- Jockey: Michael Dee
- Distance Record: A first for the distance, but he seems to adapt well.
- Verdict: If he maintains his momentum, he could be in the mix near the end.
Just Fine
Typically a frontrunner, Just Fine struggled in his last outing, finishing at the rear in the Moonee Valley Cup. However, he won the Bart Cummings impressively before that. If he rebounds from his last race, he has the capability to challenge.
- Form: 05010
- Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott
- Jockey: Jye Mitchell
- Distance Record: First attempt at 3200m, but his Bart Cummings win shows his potential.
- Verdict: Needs to recover his earlier form to be a serious contender here.
Land Legend
A young, promising horse, Land Legend has been showing potential, with a third in the Caulfield Cup and a win in the Metrop at Randwick. His stamina should serve him well at 3200m, making him one to watch under Zac Purton.
- Form: X0613
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Zac Purton
- Distance Record: First attempt, but indications suggest he’ll thrive at this distance.
- Verdict: Could be a strong challenger if he adapts well to the track.
Absurde
A well-rested gelding, Absurde concluded his last campaign with a tidy victory. With a history of solid performances and a notable run here last year, he has the experience to make an impact. Kerrin McEvoy will likely aim for a strong finish.
- Form: 1x41x
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
- Distance Record: Familiar with the trip; capable of pulling off a surprise.
- Verdict: With his track record, expect him to make a run late in the race.
Knight’s Choice
Despite recent form struggles, Knight’s Choice has shown capability in past staying races. With Robbie Dolan on board, he could surprise with a stronger showing.
- Form: X9005
- Trainer: John Symons & Sheila Laxon
- Jockey: Robbie Dolan
- Distance Record: Stamina is questionable over 3200m, as he hasn’t excelled recently at long distances.
- Verdict: Outside chance. Needs a form turnaround but has the potential to lift on Cup Day.
Okita Soushi
A reliable type, Okita Soushi is fresh off a solid win in the Moonee Valley Cup. With Jamie Kah as his jockey, he’s in peak condition and could be ready to contest.
- Form: X8021
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Jamie Kah
- Distance Record: Stronger over 2500m, though he’ll need to prove his staying power over 3200m.
- Verdict: In good form and may surprise, especially if the race pace favours him.
OneSmoothOperator
After an impressive win in the Geelong Cup, Onesmoothoperator seems primed for his Melbourne Cup debut. He’s consistently improved with each run, and Craig Williams is likely to position him well to capitalise on his stamina.
- Form: 21741
- Trainer: Brian Ellison
- Jockey: Craig Williams
- Distance Record: Suits longer distances and could rise to the challenge.
- Verdict: With his recent form, he could surprise at long odds.
Zardozi
A horse that’s gained attention with solid performances, Zardozi will need to dig deep to handle the extended trip. Despite finishing a close fifth in the Empire Rose, she may struggle against seasoned stayers.
- Form: 65245
- Trainer: James Cummings
- Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
- Distance Record: First time at 3200m, so the question is whether she has the stamina.
- Verdict: Competitive, but might need a perfect run to place here.
Sea King
Back to form with a powerful win in the Bendigo Cup, Sea King could carry his momentum into the Melbourne Cup. Known for his consistency, he’ll be a threat if he maintains his recent form.
- Form: 136×1
- Trainer: Harry Eustace
- Jockey: Hollie Doyle
- Distance Record: Suits staying distances and could fare well over 3200m.
- Verdict: If he reproduces his recent effort, he’s a genuine chance.
Valiant King
After some underwhelming recent performances, Valiant King has a lot to prove. He may appreciate the step up in distance, but his form will need a turnaround.
- Form: 6×009
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Craig Newitt
- Distance Record: Yet to show his best over long distances.
- Verdict: Needs marked improvement to contend.
Fancy Man
After a respectable sixth-place finish in the Caulfield Cup, Fancy Man shows promise, especially with his competitive third in the Herbert Power. He’ll need a flawless run, but he could be a contender if the conditions suit.
- Form: 0x536
- Trainer: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald
- Jockey: Ron Stewart
- Distance Record: First attempt at 3200m, yet looks capable of handling it.
- Verdict: Outside chance if he finds his rhythm.
Interpretation
Interpretation has been building up well, with a second place in the Geelong Cup marking him as a late-blooming contender. He’ll be looking to peak here under Teodore Nugent and could find himself in a competitive spot.
- Form: 00862
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Teodore Nugent
- Distance Record: The extended trip might suit him.
- Verdict: Ready to peak and may surprise.
Manzoice
A horse struggling for consistency, Manzoice hasn’t quite found his stride recently. With his last place in the Moonee Valley Cup, he’ll need a turnaround to stay competitive.
- Form: X2307
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Declan Bates
- Distance Record: Unproven, but hopes are high for an improved run.
- Verdict: Will be a long shot unless he shows unexpected form.
Mostly Cloudy
With a 31-day break, Mostly Cloudy comes in fresh but has yet to shine over long distances. His track record hints at potential, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the Melbourne Cup trip.
- Form: 2×440
- Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
- Jockey: Karis Teetan
- Distance Record: Limited, but there’s potential if he adapts.
- Verdict: Might not have the class to contend at this level.
Positivity
Not one to shy away from competition, Positivity comes in after some mixed results but will be looking for a breakthrough here. With Winona Costin on board, she might surprise if she stays in touch.
- Form: X2178
- Trainer: Andrew Forsman
- Jockey: Winona Costin
- Distance Record: First attempt, and 3200m is a question mark.
- Verdict: Could be an outside chance if the race goes her way.
Saint George
A seasoned stayer, Saint George has held his own over long distances before. Nash Rawiller will be looking to keep him in contention, and his consistency could see him place.
- Form: x8495
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Tyler Schiller
- Distance Record: Prefers staying distances and should relish 3200m.
- Verdict: Reliable, and might sneak into the places if conditions are favourable.
The Map
A gritty stayer, The Map comes into the Melbourne Cup off a decent performance in the Geelong Cup. Rachel King will be looking to bring out his best, although he lacks the class of some other runners.
- Form: X9056
- Trainer: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray
- Jockey: Rachel King
- Distance Record: Distance should suit, though he’s yet to prove himself among elite competition.
- Verdict: Outside chance for a place, but the step up in class makes this a tough ask.
Trust In You
Trust In You has been a reliable runner in recent starts, showing strong form over similar distances. Mark Du Plessis will guide him, aiming to get the best out of his staying power.
- Form: 63044
- Trainer: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley
- Jockey: Mark Du Plessis
- Distance Record: Consistent over 2400m and could stretch out to handle 3200m.
- Verdict: Consistent stayer with a chance to place if he finds his best form on the day.
Athabascan – SCRATCHED
Unfortunately, Athabascan was scratched from the 2024 Melbourne Cup following a mandatory veterinary inspection. A cardiac arrhythmia was detected, leading to his removal from the race lineup. This reduces the Melbourne Cup field to 23 runners.
