Article headline

The Final Field for the 2024 Melbourne Cup has been released and we have 24 quality stayers set to line-up in this years edition of the race that stops a nation.

We take a look at each of the 24 horses in the Melbourne Cup Field and we provide Video Form for each of them including the International horses in the field.

The best way to find the Melbourne Cup winner is to watch each of the horses lead-up runs heading into the race and luckily for you we have done all the hard work to find these races and list them below.

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.

1.Vauban

Breeding: Galway x Waldfest
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: William Buick
Weight: 55.5kg
Barrier: 11
Career Stats: 20: 8-5-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2200m/3382m
Career Best Win: Lonsdale Cup, August 23 2024, York, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 2-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 12: 6-3-1
Short Summary: Back for redemption from last year…but I am keen to oppose him.

Key Replay: 2023 Melbourne Cup, November 7 2023, Flemington, Good Surface

This is the key replay for me. I thought Ryan Moore gave him every chance in the run but when it came to crunch time, he folded and was very disappointing, eventually finishing 14th, with jockey Ryan Moore offering up no excuses post race for the below part effort.

Final Summary: He’s back for redemption after failing in this race last year as a dominant favourite. I will concede that his 2024 form does read very well and has clearly improved. But, I will say that I still have a query at him at a very strong two miles. The win at York was just a win and he was found out in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. If he wins, too good, but if he wins the race, I am losing from a betting perspective. I’m opposing him hard.

2.Buckaroo

Breeding: Fastnet Rock x Roheryn
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Weight: 54.5kg
Barrier: 21
Career Stats: 22: 5-4-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/1800m
Career Best Win: Underwood Stakes, September 21 2024, Caulfield. Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 13: 3-2-2
Wet Track Stats: 9: 2-2-1
Short Summary: He brings the proper local form and was the eye catcher in the key lead up.

Key Replay: Caulfield Cup, October 19 2024, Caulfield, Soft Surface

He was the eye catcher in this race I thought. Not the best of steers from Moreira but his finale was very good, showing good change up speed and kept on in a really good effort behind Duke De Sessa, with a gap to third.

Final Summary: They say the gelding operation is the ‘Ultimate Operation’ and it’s well and truly been the case with this guy. He has just been a different horse this time in, a much better horse. Pushed Via Vistina in the Turnbull and was very good in the Caulfield Cup. Can make a case that the trainer/jockey/ownership group should have won this race last year with Soulcombe but they won’t get a better chance IMO to get redemption. He’s the one to beat.

3.Circle Of Fire
Breeding: Almanzor x Fiery Sunset
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Weight: 54.5kg
Barrier: 24
Career Stats: 13: 3-1-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1609m/3200m
Career Best Win: Sydney Cup, April 13 2024, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 7: 2-1-2
Wet Track Stats: 6: 1-0-1
Short Summary: Trip no issue and has been crying out for a dry deck. He’s a knockout chance.

Key Replay: Sydney Cup, April 13 2024, Randwick, Good Surface

Thought this was a good replay to show. He found himself wide no cover for the entire 3200m trip and he was there to be beaten 400m out, but he found and on the line, he was quite dominant. Wasn’t a vintage field, but that said, he was impressive.

Final Summary: The more I look at him, the more I warm to him. I reckon bin his three runs this prep, including the Caulfield Cup. Wide throughout on a shifty track, he was just never a factor. I do think he wants firm ground, which he gets here, he gets a big race rider and off his Sydney Cup run, I think he’s one of the winning contenders.

4.Warp Speed

Breeding: Drefong x Deep Love
Trainer: Noboru Takagi
Jockey: Akira Sugawara
Weight: 54.5kg
Barrier: 3
Career Stats: 23: 4-3-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2400m/3000m
Career Best Win: Handicap, October 29 2023, Kyoto, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 20: 4-3-4
Wet Track Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Short Summary: I think he’s right in the mix.

Key Replay: Tenno Sho, April 28 2024, Kyoto, Good Surface

T O Royal is one of the best Japan has to offer and this guy kept on quite strongly in a very good effort when fifth. Form out of the race has been very strong, which it tends to be with these elite Japanse contests.

Final Summary: The Japanese are elite when it comes to 2400m+ races and this guy does bring very strong form from Japan. Latest run was in the Tenno Sho and was only beaten four lengths by T O Royal, a superstar over there. Caulfield Cup was a barrier trial. Much better set up here, firm deck, he’s going to run a beauty.

5.Kovalica

Breeding: Ocean Park x Vitesse
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Damian Lane
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 17
Career Stats: 24: 6-2-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/2400m
Career Best Win: Queensland Derby, May 27 2024, Eagle Farm, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 16: 5-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 8: 1-0-3
Short Summary: Now he’s being trained as a stayer, he’s very dangerous.

Key Replay: Queensland Derby, May 27 2023, Eagle Farm, Good Surface

This is the lone run he’s had when being trained as a stayer and the end result was an arrogant win. Admittedly, it wasn’t a field with quality, but the way he put them away was just so impressive.

Final Summary: There is the sense of timing about him. Coming through slowly and building. He was comfortably held in the Cox Plate but his finale was pretty sound and that is the A1 form race in terms of a rating for this race. Could he be another of these Waller runners to grow wings? He can win for sure.

6.Sharp N Smart

Breeding: Redwood x Queen Margaret
Trainer: Team Rogerson
Jockey: Mick Dee
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 15
Career Stats: 22: 6-5-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1400m/2400m
Career Best Win: Spring Champion Stakes, October 22 2022, Eagle Farm, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 12: 4-2-2
Wet Track Stats: 10: 2-3-0
Short Summary: He looks as though he’ll stay and he showed signs of life last start.

Key Replay: Moonee Valley Gold Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface

He ran his race in patches and looked like he was going to drop out but he kept on and kept finding the line in a really good effort in defeat I thought Okita Soushi. On paper, not a deep race, but this run was full of merit given how poor he was in the Turnbull.

Final Summary: Last start was the first time he ran over a staying trip since the ATC Derby last year and he kept finding the line at The Valley last time, albeit held late. Not sure he’s a winning chance, but if you are betting exotics like top ten, he can be entertained.

7.Just Fine

Breeding: Sea The Stars x Bint Almatar
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Weight: 53kg
Barrier: 13
Career Stats: 25: 7-1-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/2520m
Career Best Win: The Metropolitan, September 30 2023, Randwick, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 19: 5-0-1
Wet Track Stats: 6: 2-2-1
Short Summary: He’s the leader and that will be his lone highlight in this race.

Key Replay: Moonee Valley Gold Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface

This is why I want to pen him, and with confidence. He led, at his own steam, and tried to roll, get them chasing, but when asked for the effort, he found nothing and was very plain late, suggesting that the win prior in the Bart Cummings took it out of him.

Final Summary: Gritty win in the Bart Cummings but I think that took it out of him based on the Moonee Valley Cup run where he led and was a tired horse on the turn. He will lead them up and give a sight but will be out of tickets a fair way out.

8.Land Legend

Breeding: Galileo x Landikusic
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Zac Purton
Weight: 53kg
Barrier: 18
Career Stats: 13: 3-2-1
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2050m/2600m
Career Best Win: The Metropolitan, October 5 2024, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 11: 3-2-0
Wet Track Stats: 2: 0-0-1
Short Summary: If he does everything right, he’s a serious contender.

Key Replay: Caulfield Cup, October 19 2024, Caulfield, Soft Surface

I thought his run in defeat was very good. Purton couldn’t get him to relax, to the point he shoved into the clear and asked to go early and he tried hard but the petrol tickets used just told on him late. Very admirable effort.

Final Summary: The flashing light from the Caulfield Cup was Buckaroo but you can make a case that this guy was the better run given the amount of work he did in the run and how keen he was. If he can harness his energy better, 3200m is fine and he’s leading chance.

9.Absurde

Breeding: Fastnet Rock x Incroyable
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Weight: 52.5kg
Barrier: 7
Career Stats: 21: 6-6-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2000m/4023m
Career Best Win: Ebor Handicap, August 26 2023, York, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 14: 4-6-2
Wet Track Stats: 7: 2-0-0
Target Race/s: Melbourne Cup
Short Summary: For mine, the jury is well and truly out on him and keen to risk.

Key Replay: 2023 Melbourne Cup, November 7 2023, Flemington, Good Surface

This is the reason why I am keen to risk him. Was given every chance I thought, presented to win and just simply wasn’t good enough in what was a truly run two miles, with rider Zac Purton saying as much post race.

Final Summary: He has since returned home and I think you have to say his form has been mixed. Yes, a jumps win at Cheltenham and a Chester Stakes triumph, but the two wins, especially the latter, the jury is well and truly out. He was kissed on the backside with the ride and then the run in transit he got. Plus, the subsequent form out of that Chester win has been dreadful. Very keen to oppose him on the first Tuesday in November.

10.Athabascan

Breeding: Almanzor x Alzubra
Trainer: John O’Shea/Roger Charlton
Jockey: Zac Lloyd
Weight: 52kg
Barrier: 2
Career Stats: 29: 4-4-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2000m/2600m
Career Best Win: St Leger, October 19 2024, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 13: 1-2-0
Wet Track Stats: 15: 3-2-4
Short Summary: Gritty win last time but just not sold on him at two miles.

Key Replay: Sydney Cup, April 13 2024, Randwick, Soft Surface

This is the key replay for me because it showed that he doesn’t run 3200m out strongly. Given a 12/10 ride by Schiller and looked all over the winner when looming to beat Circle Of Fire but on the line, was safely held. Had every possible chance.

Final Summary: Gritty St Leger win last time but it wasn’t a deep race and after the Sydney Cup, I am saying he’s going to struggle so happy to let him go through to the keeper.

11.Knight’s Choice

Breeding: Extreme Choice x Midnight Pearl
Trainer: John Symons/Sheila Laxon
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
Weight: 51.5kg
Barrier: 6
Career Stats: 22: 5-3-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/2000m
Career Best Win: Winx Guineas, July 1 2023, Sunshine Coast, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 13: 4-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 9: 1-2-1
Short Summary: Great story from the Sunshine Coast to the first Tuesday in November, but he’s not measuring up.

Key Replay: Caulfield Cup, October 19 2024, Caulfield, Soft Surface

He got too far back in the run but that said, he was never really a winning factor and was very much on the plain side, beaten 16.4L and was beaten a long way out.

Final Summary: He’s a talented animal but 3200m does seem a stretch. Showed signs of life in the Bendigo Cup last Wednesday but he’s not up to these.

12.Okita Soushi

Breeding: Galileo x Amicus
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Weight: 51kg
Barrier: 10
Career Stats: 18: 5-3-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2149m/3219m
Career Best Win: Moonee Valley Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 16: 5-2-3
Wet Track Stats: 2: 0-1-0
Short Summary: He’s found dry tracks his past two and the end result is being a knockout Cup contender.

Key Replay: Moonee Valley Gold Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface

Yes, there were unlucky runners in the field, but even allowing for that, this guy was impressive in winning, making a sustained run and was strong to the line in a race which has been a Melbourne Cup form reference in the past.

Final Summary: He looked like a hurdler to start the prep but they have stepped him up in trip, ridden with intent, finding firmer footing and he’s become a different horse, a better horse. I think he is one with that sense of timing and I have no issue with him at 3200m. He’s a knockout hope as far as I’m concerned.

13.Onesmoothoperator

Breeding: Dialed In x Sueno D’Oro
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Craig Williams
Weight: 51kg
Barrier: 12
Career Stats: 37: 5-11-5
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2050m/3319m
Career Best Win: Geelong Cup, October 23 2024, Geelong, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 34: 5-10-5
Wet Track Stats: 3: 0-1-0
Short Summary: Off the Geelong Cup win, he’s a definite winning chance.

Key Replay: Ebor Handicap, August 24 2024, York, Good Surface

This is the Melbourne Cup in the UK. I thought he stayed on really well in defeat behind Magical Zoe, but I will say that this race has gotten worse re depth/quality over the years so I am not sure how strong this race is with the first Tuesday in November in mind.

Final Summary: UK stayer trained by Brian Ellison who will arrive down under in good form, with two wins on the bounce at Newcastle (UK) on the Synthetic, the latest being the Northumberland Plate, which is the UK’s Synthetic version of the Melbourne Cup. Not a deep race but he was impressive and he will stay all day. Also keep in mind that in 2022 in the UK he was beaten four lengths by Without A Fight, the 2023 Cup winner. All that, as well as the Geelong Cup, and I say he is a live threat.

14.Zardozi

Breeding: Kingman x Chanderi
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Weight: 51kg
Barrier: 4
Career Stats: 18: 6-3-1
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1200m/2500m
Career Best Win: VRC Oaks, November 9 2023, Flemington, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 10: 1-3-1
Wet Track Stats: 8: 5-0-0
Short Summary: She was very game in the Caulfield Cup and loves Flemington.

Key Replay: VRC Oaks, November 9 2023, Flemington, Good Surface

Thought this was a good replay to show given it was at Flemington over a staying trip and how arrogant she was. She made a mess of them and just strode out with purpose, albeit it wasn’t a strong race re depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At_QBBmGzI8

Final Summary: Was keen on her running well in the Caulfield Cup and that she did. Just couldn’t quite get there in what was a proper staying contest. Just missed out on The Metropolitan win and she is racing like 3200m will suit. I think she’s in the mix.

15.Sea King

Breeding: Sea The Stars x Pamonia
Trainer: Harry Eustace
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Weight: 50.5kg
Barrier: 1
Career Stats: 19: 6-1-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2050m/2639m
Career Best Win: Bendigo Cup, October 30 2024, Bendigo, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 13: 4-1-2
Wet Track Stats: 5: 2-0-0
Short Summary: Arrogant win last week and off that performance, he’s one of the leading contenders.

Key Replay: Bendigo Cup, October 30 2024, Bendigo, Good Surface

You couldn’t have been more impressed by this win. Sustained run, was there to be beaten but he got better as the race went on and it was one of the more dominant wins you’ll see, running fast time.

Final Summary: Prior to Bendigo, I would have said no to measuring up, but he must be thriving at Werribee given how well he went at Bendigo. If he runs the trip, which I think he will off that win, then he has to be rated as one of the leading chances and a definite winning chance.

16.Valiant King

Breeding: Roaring Lion x Assembly
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Craig Newitt
Weight: 50.5kg
Barrier: 22
Career Stats: 11: 1-3-1
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2011m/2011m
Career Best Win: Maiden, May 13 2023, Navan, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 6: 0-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 5: 1-2-0
Short Summary: Didn’t think his Caulfield Cup run was too bad. Upside, Waller polish, sneaky top ten prospect.

Key Replay: Caulfield Cup, October 19 2024, Caulfield, Soft Surface

He was following the wrong horses in the run and then was forced very wide on the turn, so just forgive and forget this effort, but he was good in defeat.

Final Summary: The form says wet ground is ideal for him but I reckon he’s better on firmer footing, which he should get here. I think Craig Newitt on is suggesting he may be ridden with intent…which I wouldn’t want him. He’s a top ten chance for mine. Think he’s going well.

17.Fancy Man

Breeding: Pride Of Dubai x Fancy
Trainer: Annabel Neasham/Rob Archibald
Jockey: Ron Stewart
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 19
Career Stats: 27: 5-4-5
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1442m/2414m
Career Best Win: Listed Quality, October 7 2023, Eagle Farm, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 17: 3-2-4
Wet Track Stats: 10: 2-2-1
Short Summary: He’s not going too bad but not to win a Melbourne Cup.

Key Replay: Caulfield Cup, October 19 2024, Caulfield, Soft Surface

He had a really good run in transit and tried hard but just lacked any real change up speed and whacked to the line, well held by Duke De Sessa but he kept on and was okay to/through the line.

Final Summary: His run in the Caulfield Cup I thought was pretty good. This isn’t a very good edition of the Cup and he could definitely run a strong 3200m on Tuesday. At triple figure odds I think he is a very good each way bet.

18.Interpretation

Breeding: Galileo x Daldiyna
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Teo Nugent
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 14
Career Stats: 23: 4-2-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2012m/2816m
Career Best Win: Bendigo Cup, November 1 2023, Bendigo, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 11: 3-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 12: 1-0-1
Short Summary: Hit and miss at times, but did run well in the Cup last year so the trip is no issue. But not for me.

Key Replay: Geelong Cup, October 23 2024, Geelong, Good Surface

Lot to like about the winner. The rest were somewhat bunched, including Interpretation. That said, he got back, was forced wide and kept finding the line in a solid enough effort.

Final Summary: He hasn’t really set the world on fire since arriving from overseas. But he did run well in the race last year, the trip will be no issue and he remains down in the weights. Top ten prospect.

19.Manzoice

Breeding: Almanzor x Choice
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Declan Bates
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 8
Career Stats: 21: 2-4-1
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1300m/2500m
Career Best Win: Victoria Derby, October 29 2022, Flemington, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 20: 5-3-3
Wet Track Stats: 8: 1-1-1
Short Summary: Looks one that is making up the numbers.

Key Replay: Victoria Derby, October 29 2022, Flemington, Soft Surface

He hasn’t won since this day, flashing home from out wide to nab Sharp N Smart, who he meets here. He came with a brilliant finale to wear them down.

Final Summary: I thought he was on track to do something but his last couple of runs in the Bart Cummings and Moonee Valley Cup…gee they were poor and for mine, I can’t entertain him.

20.Mostly Cloudy

Breeding: Harzand x Clarinada
Trainer: Trent Busuttin/Natalie Young
Jockey: Karis Teetan
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 16
Career Stats: 28: 6-4-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2500m/3318m
Career Best Win: Quality, September 16 2023, Flemington, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 20: 5-3-3
Wet Track Stats: 8: 1-1-1
Short Summary: I think he’s a real knockout hope at a big price.

Key Replay: Brisbane Cup, June 15 2024, Eagle Farm. Good Surface

This is a very good two mile run. Not so much the quality of the race because it wasn’t a quality race, but the way he ran out the trip and how strong he was late when eventually clear, working home with real purpose.

Final Summary: His three runs back have been so so on paper, but he’s either been racing over unsuitable trips or has found wet ground. He gets two miles, firm ground, no weight…I think he’ll run really well and is a must for exotics. Top ten lock IMO.

21.Positivity

Breeding: Almanzor x Pussy O’Reilly
Trainer: Andrew Forsman
Jockey: Winona Costin
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 20
Career Stats: 12: 4-2-0
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/2500m
Career Best Win: Naturalism Stakes, September 21 2024, Caulfield, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 3-1-0
Wet Track Stats: 4: 1-1-0
Short Summary: Making up the numbers.

Key Replay: Moonee Valley Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface

Had a relatively soft run in transit on speed and once clicked up, asked for an effort, she was one of the first beat and dropped right out in a very ordinary effort.

Final Summary: I thought she was kissed on the date to win the Naturalism and since then, she hasn’t fired a shot. If you were betting on who is going to come last, this would be the one for me.

22.Saint George

Breeding: Roaring Lion x Lady Dragon
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Tyler Schiller
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 9
Career Stats: 10: 2-1-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 2234m/2916m
Career Best Win: Handicap, June 3 2023, Doncaster, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 9: 2-1-2
Wet Track Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Short Summary: Looks very one paced but will stay the trip and in the right camp. Top ten prospect.

Key Replay: Moonee Valley Cup, October 25 2024, Moonee Valley, Good Surface

The eye catcher I thought from the back. He was held up at times but when eventually clear, he found the line with purpose albeit well held by stablemate Okita Soushi.

Final Summary: He looked overrated, overhyped earlier this Spring but the run at The Valley almost tempts me. But, I want to see him do it again before stamping him a genuine winning chance and with that, he’s only a top ten chance.

23.The Map

Breeding: Alpine Eagle x This Moment
Trainer: Dan Clarken/Oopy MacGillvray
Jockey: Rachel King
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 23
Career Stats: 32: 9-3-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1400m/2800m
Career Best Win: Andrew Ramden, May 18 2024, Flemington, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 23: 6-3-2
Wet Track Stats: 6: 3-0-1
Short Summary: I thought she was a top ten lock after the Ramsden win. But her overall form this time in has been plain.

Key Replay: Geelong Cup, October 23 2024, Geelong, Good Surface

Onesmoothoperator was dominant. Watching live, I thought The Map was going to be right in the finish but when asked for the big effort, she just whacked to the line and was a bit on the plain side I thought.

Final Summary: She was going to be the clear #1 seed of the locals I thought, especially after a really good first up run, but the wheels have fallen off. I think still, she could be an outside top ten chance, but I’d want a decent price.

24.Trust In You

Breeding: Sweynesse x Shinko Bay
Trainer: Bruce Wallace x Grant Cooksley
Jockey: Mark Du Plessis
Weight: 50kg
Barrier: 5
Career Stats: 30: 4-5-1
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1600m/2400m
Career Best Win: QEll Cup, January 1 2024, Pukekohe, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 16: 1-3-0
Wet Track Stats: 14: 3-2-1
Short Summary: Hasn’t been too bad in Sydney but he’s not up to this level.

Key Replay: The Metropolitan, October 5 2024, Randwick, Good Surface

Thought this was a good replay to show given several runners here are racing on Tuesday. Trust In You just got too far back in the run but I did like the way he finished his race off when fourth to Land Legend.

Final Summary: He’s a handy stayer and is nearing a win. Just not here. Perhaps if he went back home to New Zealand and found a 2400m/3200m race there. Not far off Positivity as to who will finish last.

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.