All Melbourne Cup Horses In 2024 Field: Pros & Cons

There are 23 horses left in the mix to face off at HQ on Tuesday in the world-famous Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Monday afternoon’s scratching of Athabascan, and below we have a look at the arguments for and against each runner as they prepare to line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7.

With 23 remaining horses to do the Melbourne Cup form on it can seem an overwhelming task to sort through all the lead-up runs, track and distance statistics, stables, breeding, and more to uncover the best horses to back in the 164th edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’.

There are a host of internationals in the mix again including the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban and Absurde who return after unplaced runs last year, and Brian Ellison’s impressive Geelong Cup champion Onesmoothoperator.

Vauban has firmed into favouritism at $6.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au to atone for his 14th placed flop last year and he’s been prepped up differently coming off some impressive form back home including a last start Irish St Leger second with 62kg.

We have a Chris Waller-trained second favourite Buckaroo who is yet to win over further than 1800m but looked a powerhouse machine when running through the line in his Caulfield Cup second last start.

Ciaron Maher plays a strong hand with four runners in the 2024 Melbourne Cup field including his Ladbrokes Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi and Circle Of Fire to be ridden by Mark Zahra who chases his third Melbourne Cup win in as many years.

Add in plenty of sneaky light weights looking to steal the show, last minute qualifier Sea King for UK horseman Harry Eustace, and Japanese raider Warp Speed looking for atonement and the event opens right up!

So, let’s get into it so you can get over to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in your Melbourne Cup tips!

1. Vauban (10)

• Pros: Favourite with money coming. Barrier 10 looks ideal. Comes back from 62kg last start. Irish St Leger second with big weight last start impressed. Prepped and rated ideally. Stays all day. Group 2 Lonsdale Cup win over 3319 two back. Fit.
• Cons: Didn’t do it last year as the beaten favourite, history repeating? Gives the weight away as the 55.5kg topweight. No previous Melbourne Cup winning form from either jockey or trainer.
• Click here to read more on whether Vauban can win the 2024 Melbourne Cup

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $5 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

2. Buckaroo (20)

• Pros: Comes via a cracking Caulfield Cup second which is a great form race. Waller-trained by the master who won in 2021 with Verry Elleegant. Great performances this prep since being gelded.
• Cons: Joao Moreira yet to win a Melbourne Cup. Has to overcome barrier 20. Yet to win over further than 1800m. Is the international form stronger? Will he stay two miles?
• Click here to read more on whether Buckaroo can win the 2024 Melbourne Cup

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $8 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

3. Circle Of Fire (23)

• Pros: Runs two miles. Group 1 Sydney Cup winner. Trained by Ciaron Maher. Mark Zhara rides chasing a third straight Melbourne Cup victory.
• Cons: Three starts at Flemington without a placing. Barrier 23 of 23. Disappointing three lead-up runs without finishing better than eighth. Caulfield Cup 10th last start was flat.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $31 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

4. Warp Speed (2)

• Pros: Japanese form at home is very strong. Barrier two is ideal. Fitter for his first run in Australia. Has winning form up to 3000m back home. Will relish stepping-up to two miles and gets firmer ground.
• Cons: Was disappointing with plenty of hype when 13th in the Caulfield Cup. Delta Blues (2006) only Japanese-trained Melbourne Cup winner in history.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

5. Kovalica (16)

• Pros: Waller-trained and he is confident. Might have been crying out for this trip all along? Comes into barrier 16 which produced last year’s winner.
• Cons: Never raced at Flemington. Hasn’t seen two miles. Wider drawn. Better chances from the stable. Comes from 2040m when unplaced in the Cox Plate to 3200m. That’s tough. Hasn’t won since the 2023 Qld Derby.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $23 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (14)

• Pros: Multiple Group 1 winner. VRC Derby runner-up in 2022. Stays. 3rd in the MV Gold Cup behind Okita Soushi had merit.
• Cons: Hasn’t won since last year’s NZ Derby. Not sure he brings in the right form lines or class.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

7. Just Fine (12)

• Pros: Waterhouse & jockey Jye McNeil both have previous Melbourne Cup winning form. Proven at the track winning the Group 3 Bart Cummings with 57kg.
• Cons: Last place in the Moonee Valley Cup last start. Will try to lead and all-the-way over 3200m when he’s never seen the trip could see him fade right out late.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

8. Land Legend (17)

• Pros: Waller-trained and flies under the radar. Ran third in the Caulfield Cup despite doing plenty of work without settling throughout. Hong Kong’s Zac Purton rides. Beat a few of these two back in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) in Sydney.
• Cons: Barrier 17 is tough. Over-raced last time out so getting up to 3200m he cannot do that. Pre-race jitters could get the better of him again.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

9. Absurde (6)

• Pros: Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy rides. Mullins has brought him over again suggesting there’s confidence. Seventh last year when finishing better than Vauban. Very well weighted with 52.5kg. Last start Listed winner at home with 61kg over 2916m. Stays. Barrier 6 is nice.
• Cons: Doesn’t bring in the same strong international form lines as the stablemate. Racing in lower grades and hurdles back home. Prefer other visitors.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $9 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

10. Athabascan – SCRATCHED

11. Knight’s Choice (5)

• Pros: Barrier 5 and 51.5kg are two ticks. Shelia Laxon has won a Melbourne Cup in the past.
• Cons: Yet to win over further than 2000m. Well beaten in the Underwood, Turnbull and Caulfiled Cup so cannot see him featuring here. Fifth in the Bendigo Cup to Sea King last time out. Out of form.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $0 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

12. Okita Soushi (9)

• Pros: Jamie Kah rides and she had a killer Derby Day! Maher is master trainer of stayers and this horse is going great guns in his care. Had a shot last year and is better now more seasoned and acclimatised. Moonee Valley Gold Cup win was excellent. Draw suits. Proven at the distance.
• Cons: There might be stronger form lines to follow. Tough to come back and win after being unplaced the year prior.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $14 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

13. Onesmoothoperator (11)

• Pros: Craig Williams is a big race specialist and knows what it takes to ride a horse to Melbourne Cup glory. Geelong Cup win was outstanding and that has produced three internationals to do the double. In a field that lacks depth, he can be the next. Proven two-miler and Ebor form (7th) from overseas. Fit now and is a genuine European stayer. In on just 51kg even with the penalty. Gives Americain vibes.
• Cons: Not a lot!

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $9 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

14. Zardozi (3)

• Pros: Barrier three is ideal, she’s a proven Group 1 winner having an Oaks win at this track under her belt, from a gun stable in the Royal Blue, and is historically the right age to win the Cup. Will be flying with 51kg. Beaten only a nostril flare in The Metrop when second to Land Legend in Sydney earlier this prep. Caulfield Cup fourth had merit. Rock hard fit. Has had a genuine Cummings’ preparation with plenty of racing and miles in her legs.
• Cons: Needs to join Verry Elleegant as the only mare since the Makybe Diva three-peat to beat home the boys. Unusual to go from 2400m to a mile when fifth in the Empire Rose (1600m) on Saturday then back to 3200m just three days later. Can she handle all that racing? Will she see out two miles?

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $10 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

15. Sea King (1)

• Pros: Bendigo Cup victory was a barnstorming effort. Rails run and in on just 50.5kg. Ebor form (6th) is holding. UK stayer with upside. Was in front a long way out last start giving the indication he’ll see the two miles without worry. Form too around Onesmoothoperator (who we love!) from back home.
• Cons: Better internationals. Big 24 horse field and inside ally could find himself swamped. This is a notable rise in grade.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $13 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

16. Valiant King (21)

• Pros: Prepared by Chris Waller. Carrying just 50.5kg.
• Cons: Wide out, one of the worst for the stable. Distance query. Yet to win over further than 2011m. Three lead-up runs have been below par against a number of these rivals. Caulfield Cup 6th last year but 9th in that same race this year. Not going well enough.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

17. Fancy Man (18)

• Pros: Fourth-up and fit. Carries just 50kg. Gets track conditions to suit. Best of the 100/1 pops for those hoping for Prince Of Penzance take two.
• Cons: Wide gate 18 draw. Caulfield Cup 6th with the same weight last time out and would need to pull out something pretty magic in a tougher race over further now.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

18. Interpretation (13)

• Pros: Ciaron Maher import who failed to finish in 2022 but ran sixth last year on the back of a Bendigo Cup win, so he knows what this race is all about. Presents fit and comes off a Geelong Cup second to our pick Onesmoothoperator. Carries just 50kg in a pretty weak overall field for a Melbourne Cup.
• Cons: Has had 11 runs at Flemington for just one third so this is not his right track. Third time isn’t usually a charm in this event.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $19 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

19. Manzoice (7)

• Pros: Waller-trained.
• Cons: Hasn’t won a race since the 2022 VRC Derby. Sydney Cup 14th last time at the 3200m. Bart Cummings 10th and MV Gold Cup 7th aren’t good enough performances heading into this. Wasn’t really expected to get a start. Barrier 7 has the longest winning drought of any gate in the field.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

20. Mostly Cloudy (15)

• Pros: In on just 50kg fourth-up and fit having been set for this all along. Winning form up to 3318m so gets the trip, which is a query for a few others. Group 2 Brisbane Cup 2nd with more weight in the winter. Will appreciate firmer ground.
• Cons: Really disappointing last time out when 12th in The Bart Cummings and hasn’t had a run since. Lacks class.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

21. Positivity (19)

• Pros: Right age to win as a 4YO. Naturalism winner. Should get the trip.
• Cons: Mares don’t have a great Melbourne Cup record. Unplaced in her latest two including the MV Gold Cup eighth. Prefer plenty others off better form. Barrier 19 makes things even tougher.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

22. Saint George (8)

• Pros: Maher trained import who sneaks in as a late call up with just 50kg. Barrier 9 is a great draw. Should run out the 3200m. Moonee Valley Gold Cup fifth had merit last start.
• Cons: Hasn’t really been prepped for it. Will be brave but prefer the other, stronger international form lines. Probably needs a full prep down under before being competitive in a Melbourne Cup.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $23 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

23. The Map (22)

• Pros: One of the Golden Ticket holders after her Andrew Ramsden win here. Will run the distance. South Australian’s won the Derby last weekend….will they be cheering again come Race 7 on Tuesday? Has local support.
• Cons: Barrier 22 is a tough draw. Geelong Cup sixth last start probably not strong enough performance to see her improve and beat these.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

24. Trust In You (4)

• Pros: Barrier 4 historically is a great gate and carries only 50kg. Mark Du Plessis rides in his sixth Melbourne Cup. Fourth in The Metroplitan at big odds behind Land Legend and fourth again last in Sydney’s St. Leger only 2.42 lengths beaten with 7.5kg more.
• Cons: Toughest test to date. Stronger form lines. Would need rain to be any hope.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds & Results

Flemington R7
Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Final Race time:  1730779472

Runner Details	Win	Place
1st 11. Knight's Choice (5) J: Robbie Dolan 51.5kg T: J G Symons & S Laxon	81.00	18.00
2nd 4. Warp Speed (2) J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg T: N Takagi	26.00	7.00
3rd 12. Okita Soushi (9) J: Jamie Kah 51kg T: Ciaron Maher	19.00	6.50
4th 14. Zardozi (3) J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg T: James Cummings	14.00	4.50
5th 9. Absurde (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 52.5kg T: Willie Mullins	10.00	3.50
6th 3. Circle Of Fire (23) J: Mark Zahra 54.5kg T: Ciaron Maher	23.00	6.50
7th 17. Fancy Man (18) J: Ron Stewart 50kg T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald	81.00	17.00
8th 8. Land Legend (17) J: Zac Purton 53kg T: Chris Waller	14.00	4.80
9th 2. Buckaroo (20) J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg T: Chris Waller	6.50	2.50
10th 5. Kovalica (16) J: Damian Lane 53.5kg T: Chris Waller	26.00	7.00
11th 1. Vauban (10) J: William Buick 55.5kg T: Willie Mullins	8.00	2.90
12th 13. Onesmoothoperator (11) J: Craig Williams 51kg T: Brian Ellison	7.00	2.70
13th 16. Valiant King (21) J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg T: Chris Waller	91.00	18.00
14th 15. Sea King (1) J: Hollie Doyle 50.5kg T: Harry Eustace	12.00	4.00
15th 18. Interpretation (13) J: Teodore Nugent 50kg T: Ciaron Maher	21.00	6.00
16th 6. Sharp 'N' Smart (14) J: Michael Dee 53.5kg T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson	51.00	12.00
17th 24. Trust In You (4) J: Mark Du Plessis 50kg T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley	71.00	17.00
18th 20. Mostly Cloudy (15) J: Karis Teetan 50kg T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young	101.00	19.00
19th 19. Manzoice (7) J: Declan Bates 50kg T: Chris Waller	126.00	23.00
20th 21. Positivity (19) J: Winona Costin 50kg T: Andrew Forsman	101.00	20.00
21st 23. The Map (22) J: Rachel King 50kg T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray	71.00	15.00
22nd 22. Saint George (8) J: Tyler Schiller 50kg T: Ciaron Maher	23.00	6.50
23rd 7. Just Fine (12) J: Jye McNeil 53kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott	35.00	10.00

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing.
Data retrieved: 10/12/2024 06:10:40 PM (Australia/Brisbane)

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*All 2024 Melbourne Cup odds provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of publication, and subject to change at any time without notice.

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