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The 166th edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’ is rapidly approaching, and the 2026 Melbourne Cup field is beginning to take shape following third acceptances on Monday morning. While final declarations, the all-important Melbourne Cup barrier draw and mandatory veterinary clearances are still to come, a likely field of 24 is emerging for the Group 1 $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday, November 3.

This year’s Melbourne Cup 2026 field is set to feature a fascinating blend of proven local stayers, elite international raiders, returning Cup runners, and a powerful contingent from the stables of Ciaron Maher and Joseph O’Brien, who between them currently have 13 runners inside the top 24 in the order of entry.

The latest all-in Melbourne Cup 2026 odds at Ladbrokes are headed by Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law, while Irish visitor Trustyourinstinct remains firmly in contention as the leading international hope.

Point Of Law Heads 2026 Melbourne Cup Betting

The complexion of the race changed significantly following the spring lead-up races, with Point Of Law surging to favouritism after an outstanding victory in the Geelong Cup, one of the race’s most influential form references. The imported son of Frankel now heads the market after securing a Melbourne Cup berth and receiving a penalty to 53kg.

The main danger in early Melbourne Cup betting remains Joseph O’Brien‘s Trustyourinstinct, who arrives off strong European staying form including victory in the Group 2 Curragh Cup and a competitive fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger. Champion jockey James McDonald has secured the ride.

Confirmed Melbourne Cup Jockeys 2026

A number of high-profile rider bookings have already been confirmed, headed by international stars Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire, and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey James McDonald.

Key confirmed Melbourn Cup 2026 jockey engagements include:

• Sons And Lovers (GB) – Ryan Moore
• Stinger Glass (JPN) – Christophe Lemaire
• Trustyourinstinct (IRE) – James McDonald
• Defiantly (FR) – Dylan Browne McMonagle
• Middle Earth (GB) – Mark Zahra
• Knight’s Choice – Robbie Dolan
• Juja Kibo (IRE) – Sam Clipperton
• Saint George (GB) – Blake Shinn
• Goodie Two Shoes (IRE) – Wayne Lordan
• Soul Of Spain (IRE) – Tommy Berry
• Onesmoothoperator (USA) – Declan Bates
• Zahrann (IRE) – Ben Melham
• Hopewell Rock (IRE) – Zac Lloyd
• James J Braddock (IRE) – Craig Williams
• Point Of Law (GB) – Ethan Brown
• Mr Monaco (GB) – Jabez Johnstone (a)
• Zakouma – William Pike
• Shockletz (NZ) – Harry Coffey

Several rides, including those for Vauban, Royal Supremacy, Wine Dark Sea, Asterix, and Strictly Business, remain unconfirmed.

Maher Holds a Powerful Hand

No trainer is more strongly represented than Ciaron Maher, who currently has eight runners inside the top 24 and has already secured four ballot-free Melbourne Cup exemptions this spring. Those include:

• Point Of Law (Geelong Cup)
• Mr Monaco (The Bart Cummings)
• Shockletz (Archer Stakes)
• Juja Kibo (Moonee Valley Gold Cup)

Maher’s additional contenders include Middle Earth, Royal Supremacy, Saint George and Zahrann.

Juja Kibo remains one of the great stories of the spring. The Irish import backed up his Metropolitan success by winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup to guarantee a start, while jockey Sam Clipperton completed a remarkable comeback from retirement to secure a Melbourne Cup ride.

Joseph O’Brien Chasing Third Melbourne Cup

Already successful with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020), Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien is chasing a third Melbourne Cup success with an exceptional five-pronged attack.

His likely runners include:

• Defiantly
• Sons And Lovers
• Trustyourinstinct
• Goodie Two Shoes
• James J Braddock

Among that group, Defiantly secured a golden ticket via victory in the Prix Kergorlay, while Goodie Two Shoes returns after her brave second placing in last year’s Cup.

Likely Melbourne Cup 2026 Field*

*Note: This is a provisional Melbourne Cup 2026 final field based on the current order of entry. Final acceptances, barrier allocations, rider bookings, and any late changes remain subject to official confirmation prior to the race. The numbering shown reflects the current order of entry and should not be confused with the official Melbourne Cup saddlecloth numbers, which will be assigned following final acceptances and the barrier draw.

Horses Still Fighting for a Start

The Melbourne Cup field is not yet finalised, and several horses remain on the cusp of securing a place in the race. The Group 3 $500,000 Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup on Wednesday remains a crucial last-chance opportunity for horses outside the top 24, including:

• The Euphrates
• Future History
• Kizlyar
• So You Are
• Kings Valley
• Soulcombe

Particularly notable is Soulcombe, whose 2023 Melbourne Cup placing no longer satisfies the current ballot clause requirements. A top-three finish in the Bendigo Cup could still propel him into the final field.

What Happens Next?

The final countdown to the 2026 Melbourne Cup field continues with:

• Victoria Derby Day final acceptances
• Mandatory veterinary clearances and CT scans
• Final rider confirmations
• Melbourne Cup barrier draw
• Final Melbourne Cup declarations

Until then, Point Of Law remains the horse to beat, Trustyourinstinct heads the international challenge, and the powerhouse teams of Ciaron Maher and Joseph O’Brien look set to dominate the final field.