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The stage is set for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), with the final field locked away for Australia’s most famous horse race and another elite 24-horse line-up featuring one of the strongest international raids in recent history, proven local performers looking to keep the ‘Loving Trophy’ on home turf, emerging Cup contenders and top-class jockeys all ready to clash at Flemington on Tuesday.

The 166th running of the Melbourne Cup has attracted a full field headed by Geelong Cup-winning favourite Point Of Law, while Irish master trainer Joseph O’Brien launches a powerful five-horse assault and Australia’s premier stable of Ciaron Maher counters with a seven-strong team.

With former Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice returning, reigning Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham securing a late ride on Future History, champion hoop James McDonald aboard leading international hope Trustyourinstinct, and proven big-race riders including Mark Zahra, Craig Williams, Damian Lane and Ryan Moore all engaged, the race shapes as one of the deepest and most competitive editions in recent years.

We’ve analysed every runner in the Melbourne Cup 2026 field, assessed their form, staying credentials and winning prospects, and have rated their chances ahead of Tuesday’s $10.2 million Flemington feature below.

1. SONS AND LOVERS (GB)

• 6YO Bay Gelding – by STUDY OF MAN (IRE) from SO IN LOVE (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Joseph O’Brien (County Kilkenny (IRE))
• Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle
• Barrier: 3
• Weight: 57.5kg
• Career Record: 19:4-2-5
• Prizemoney: $2,673,759
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

The highest-weighted international in the field, Sons And Lovers brings some seriously strong European staying form to the 2026 Melbourne Cup and looks one of the key chances from the powerful Joseph O’Brien stable. The Group 2 winner was ultra-impressive taking out the Prix Maurice de Nieuil over 2800m at Longchamp and also scored in the prestigious Red Sea Turf Handicap over 3000m in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, proving he has the stamina and class required for a race of this nature. While the 57.5kg top weight is no easy task, he has consistently competed against high-calibre opposition and arrives off a tough second carrying 63.5kg in the Kilternan Stakes. Dylan Browne McMonagle, originally booked for the scratched Defiantly, is a notable late jockey change, and if O’Brien is right that the step up to Flemington’s 3200m is exactly what he wants, Sons And Lovers has all the credentials to be right in the finish and give the Irish trainer a third Melbourne Cup trophy. Gets every chance from gate three and has the right CV to shake things up at 20/1 at time of publish.

2. TRUSTYOURINSTINCT (IRE)  

• 7YO Chestnut Gelding – by CHURCHILL (IRE) from GUSSY GOOSE (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Joseph O’Brien (County Kilkenny (IRE))
• Jockey: James McDonald
• Barrier: 18
• Weight: 57kg
• Career Record: 25:9-6-3 Prizemoney: $725,994
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: 2:1-0-0

Trustyourinstinct is another serious Irish raider from the masterful Joseph O’Brien stable and profiles as a genuine Melbourne Cup threat. The ultra-consistent son of Churchill has enjoyed an outstanding season, highlighted by his Group 2 Curragh Cup victory over 2816m, a race that has previously been won by O’Brien’s Melbourne Cup heroes Rekindling and Twilight Payment. He backed that up with a credible fourth in the Irish St Leger behind top-class stayer Scandinavia, confirming he measures up in elite staying company. A proven performer over the trip who relishes fast ground, Trustyourinstinct possesses a powerful turn of foot when ridden patiently and charging late, with his Curragh Cup success a perfect example of his devastating last-to-first finish. The booking of world-class jockey James McDonald, who famously won the Cup aboard Verry Elleegant, only adds to the appeal, while the drop in weight compared to what he regularly carried in Europe is another positive. The tricky draw and the usual acclimatisation query facing international runners are minor concerns, but if McDonald can slot him in and unleash him at the right time, he looks one of the leading winning chances in the 2026 Melbourne Cup and a must-have contender in all calculations.

3. Knight’s Choice

• 7YO Bay Gelding – by EXTREME CHOICE from MIDNIGHT PEARL
• Trainer (Location): John Symons & Sheila Laxon (Ballarat)
• Jockey: Robbie Dolan
• Barrier: 2
• Weight: 56.5kg
• Career Record: 31:6-3-3 Prizemoney: $5,965,550
• Record at Flemington: 2:1-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 1:1-0-0

All racing fans will remember when Knight’s Choice etched his name into Melbourne Cup folklore a couple of years back with a stunning $91 upset in 2024, and while history is against him becoming just the second horse after Peter Pan to win non-consecutive Cups, he’s not without hope of another bold showing. The Australian-bred stayer proved he stays the two miles when producing a powerful finishing burst to claim the Cup two years ago, and there were encouraging signs he was recapturing that form with a narrow third in the Herbert Power Stakes before a disappointing, never-threatening 14th in the Caulfield Cup. Back to Flemington, where his best performance was produced, and reunited with Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan, there are a few positives for punters to latch onto, particularly from a favourable draw. The concern is that he now carries significantly more weight than in his famous victory and may again need a genuinely run race to bring his closing style into play. Hard to make a strong winning case on recent form, but proven staying credentials and fond memories of Flemington mean he’s capable of outperforming his odds and sneaking into the finish. Barrier 2 aids his chances and could prove a touch of value for those Top 6 exotics around the 40/1 mark.

4. MIDDLE EARTH (GB)  

• 7YO Bay Gelding – by ROARING LION (USA) from ROHERYN (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Mark Zahra
• Barrier: 1
• Weight: 56.5kg
• Career Record: 26:6-2-3 Prizemoney: $1,653,040
• Record at Flemington: 6:1-0-1
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-1

Middle Earth may not have run a place in five starts this campaign, but the talented Ciaron Maher stayer shapes as one of the more intriguing each-way chances. Last year’s third placegetter has been prepared with this race in mind again, and his recent efforts have been better than they look on paper. He produced some of the strongest late splits in the Caulfield Cup when finishing ninth before making up ground from last in the Cox Plate, a weight-for-age assignment that was never going to play to his strengths. Back to the 3200m, drawn perfectly in barrier one and reunited with dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra, Middle Earth gets conditions much more to suit. Proven at Flemington, effective on both good and soft ground, and already showing he can run a big race in this event, he looks primed to improve sharply on his lead-up form. While winning might be a stretch against some classy internationals, he profiles as one of the more genuine Top 6 contenders and a strong each-way hope for punters looking for a touch of value. Drew the inside barrier, much to the celebratory roar of Maher and connections at the draw, so that’s another tick and his Melbourne Cup price has come in accordingly.

5. VAUBAN (FR)

• 9YO Chestnut Gelding – by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
• Trainers (Location): Gai Watehouse & Adrian Bott (Flemington)
• Jockey: Jordan Childs
• Barrier: 22
• Weight: 56.5kg
• Career Record: 33:10-5-6 Prizemoney: $2,609,243
• Record at Flemington: 3:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 8:2-2-1

Vauban is becoming something of a Melbourne Cup veteran, lining up for his fourth shot at the race after an improved sixth place finish last year hinted he was finally getting the hang of the unique challenge. The former European has still shown glimpses of his class in Australia, winning a Group 3 at Rosehill and placing in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes earlier this year, while a lighter spring campaign has been designed specifically around peaking for this assignment. His Geelong Cup lead-up run was only fair, but he had excuses from a tough draw carrying 60.5kg and is expected to strip fitter second-up. The concerns are obvious: he’s now a nine-year-old, drawn awkwardly again, and history is firmly against horses of his age in the Cup. Still, he’s a genuine stayer who will appreciate any give in the track and has enough proven class to be competitive. A win looks a tall order, but if things fall his way, Vauban has the credentials to run another honest race and work into the top 10 for those wider Melbourne Cup exotics.

6. Enfjaar (IRE)

• 7YO Bay Gelding – by LOPE DE VEGA (IRE) from TESORO (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Roger Varian (Newmarket (GB))
• Jockey: Ray Dawson
• Barrier: 8
• Weight: 56kg
• Career Record: 16:5-2-2 Prizemoney: $488,181
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Enfjaar announced himself as a genuine Melbourne Cup contender with a brave third in the Caulfield Cup at his Aussie debut, racing on speed and sticking on strongly behind Kingswood and Saint George in one of the key lead-up races for this event. The Roger Varian-trained English raider had already showcased his staying credentials with a Group 3 Glorious Stakes victory over 2400m at Goodwood and has done little wrong since stepping up in trip. The obvious question is whether he can run out a strong 3200m at his first attempt, but his lead-up performance suggested the extra distance could actually suit. While he may lack the explosive turn of foot of some of his rivals, he’s a tough, genuine stayer who handles all track conditions, maps to get a good run from his favourable gate eight draw, and arrives in career-best form. If he sees out the two miles as expected, he looks one of the leading international chances and a serious double-figure contender with genuine claims of running into the placings at a good price.

7. Royal Supremacy (IRE)

• 6YO Bay Gelding – by MAKE BELIEVE (GB) from ADELASIA (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Ben Allen
• Barrier: 21
• Weight: 56kg
• Career Record: 22:7-3-4 Prizemoney: $2,180,412
• Record at Flemington: 1:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

The widely-drawn Royal Supremacy is one of the more intriguing roughies in the Cup field this year and arguably brings stronger form than his big odds suggest. The Maher-trained import has won some quality races since arriving in Australia, including last year’s Group 1 Metropolitan and this year’s Q22 and JRA Cup, proving he has the talent to match it with good company. His issue is consistency. After controlling the speed to win the JRA Cup, he was expected to feature prominently in the Caulfield Cup but folded quickly in the straight to finish a well-beaten 15th. That performance is hard to overlook, especially stepping up to two miles from a tricky draw and carrying 5kg more than he did in last year’s Melbourne Cup when he finished 15th. The positives are that he handles all conditions, should appreciate any rain-affected ground, and has previously shown he can stay strongly at this level. Even so, he looks one of the harder runners to trust on current form and would need a significant turnaround to trouble the major chances, although a sneaky top 10 finish isn’t entirely out of the question.

8. Wine Dark Sea (GB)

• 5YO Bay Gelding – by ULYSSES (IRE) from AJWIBAH (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Harry Charlton (Great Britain)
• Jockey: Damian Lane
• Barrier: 23
• Weight: 56kg
• Career Record: 11:4-2-0 Prizemoney: $309,842
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Wine Dark Sea arrived down under with an impressive European profile and is one of the perhaps underrated of the internationals in the field despite an underwhelming Caulfield Cup effort. The Harry Charlton-trained five-year-old won three of four starts in England this year, highlighted by a strong Geoffrey Freer Stakes victory over 2671m where he defeated the proven globetrotter Dubai Honour. His Australian debut can be forgiven to an extent after covering ground early, working forward from a wide alley and hitting the front before weakening late to finish 11th. That run should bring him on nicely fitness-wise, and the step up to 3200m looks ideal for a horse with genuine staying credentials. The wide draw remains a challenge, but a more economical ride from Damian Lane could see significant improvement. While he’d need to find a few lengths on his Caulfield Cup form to threaten the major players, he has the upside and staying talent to bounce back and make his presence felt in the finish, especially if he reproduces his best European form.

9. Asterix (NZ)

• 8YO Bay Gelding – by TAVISTOCK (NZ) from MOURASANA (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Chris Waller (Flemington)
• Jockey: Jye McNeil
• Barrier: 6
• Weight: 55kg
• Career Record: 33:8-1-0 Prizemoney: $1,500,446
• Record at Flemington: 2:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

Asterix is one of several Waller-trained runners taking aim at this year’s Melbourne Cup and, while the veteran stayer has some solid credentials, he arrives needing to turn his form around. The eight-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign earlier in the year with wins in the Gosford Cup, Tatt’s Cup and a Group 3 at Randwick, while his previous fourth in the Auckland Cup suggests the 3200m trip is within reach. His best run this spring came when third in the Naturalism Stakes behind fellow Cup hopefuls Zahrann and Saint George, but his subsequent Turnbull Stakes and Caulfield Cup efforts were well below his best. The good barrier six draw is a positive for a past Melbourne Cup winning hoop McNeil, as is the fact he’s in the care of Australia’s premier Cup trainer, but history is against horses of his age and recent form leaves him with plenty to prove. If he can recapture his autumn form he may sneak into the minor money, but on exposed spring performances he looks out of the top 10 for mine.

10. Goodie Two Shoes (IRE)

• 8YO Bay Mare – by FASTNET ROCK from FITS LIKE A GLOVE (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Joseph O’Brien (County Kilkenny (IRE))
• Jockey: Wayne Lordan
• Barrier: 19
• Weight: 55kg
• Career Record: 23:8-2-5 Prizemoney: $1,772,834
• Record at Flemington: 1:0-1-0
• Record at 3200m: 3:1-1-1

Goodie Two Shoes proved she handles the Melbourne Cup challenge brilliantly when storming home for second behind Half Yours at odds in last year’s edition, and that proven Flemington form makes her impossible to dismiss. The Joseph O’Brien-trained mare has raced sparingly since, highlighted by a strong Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes victory over 2816m at Goodwood, reinforcing her credentials as a genuine stayer. While her last-start failure in the Kilternan Stakes raises a query, O’Brien remains adamant she is in career-best form, and a fast track would suit perfectly. The rise from 51.5kg to 55kg is a notable hurdle, as is the fact she again faces a wide draw out in gate 19, but she overcame similar obstacles last year when racing prominently and fighting on gamely. Reunited with Wayne Lordan and carrying the famed JP McManus colours, Goodie Two Shoes profiles as one of the stronger each-way chances in the field. If she can reproduce anything close to last year’s effort, another big run looks well within reach and a place in the finish would not surprise. Good odds too!

11. Juja Kibo (IRE)

• 6YO Bay Gelding – by BELARDO (IRE) from NA ZDOROVIE (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Sam Clipperton
• Barrier: 14
• Weight: 55kg
• Career Record: 20:6-3-6 Prizemoney: $1,404,634
• Record at Flemington: 1:1-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

Juja Kibo comes into the 2026 Melbourne Cup field as one of the form horses of the race and looks a genuine knockout chance for Ciaron Maher. The former Irish stayer has gone to another level this preparation, following a dominant Metropolitan win at Randwick with a barnstorming finish in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup to secure his golden ticket into the Cup. Those victories showcased his trademark late surge and confirmed he is thriving at the right time of year, while the addition of regular rider Sam Clipperton is another positive after their recent success together. The big question is the two-mile trip, with his lone attempt at 3200m resulting in an unplaced Sydney Cup effort, but his recent performances suggest he is a much-improved horse now. Drawn to get a soft run and likely to appreciate any rain-affected ground, he profiles as a serious each-way contender and is being kept very safe in Melbourne Cup betting. If the pace is strong and the race sets up for the backmarkers, expect him to be charging home late and giving punters every chance of a big result.

12. Hopewell Rock (IRE)

• 5YO Bay Gelding – by NEW BAY (GB) from TIDEWALKER (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): George Boughey (Newmarket (GB))
• Jockey: Zac Lloyd
• Barrier: 15
• Weight: 54.5kg
• Career Record: 10:3-3-2 Prizemoney: $402,417
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Hopewell Rock is one of the more fascinating internationals in this year’s Melbourne Cup and profiles as a genuine each-way player on the strength of his progressive UK staying form. The George Boughey-trained five-year-old earned his trip Down Under after a dominant 2816m win at Goodwood and a narrow second in the prestigious Ebor Handicap at York, a race that has long been a proven guide to Melbourne Cup success. His form ties in nicely with several key Cup contenders, and the fact he carried big weights in Europe suggests he’ll appreciate the handicap conditions at Flemington. While the 3200m remains an unknown and, like all overseas raiders, there’s the question of how well he’s acclimatised, he looks to have all the right attributes of a modern Cup horse: lightly raced, still improving, versatile on all track conditions and proven over staying distances. With talented young jockey Zac Lloyd aboard and strong market support behind him, he’s a good value chance paying around $10 and oozes serious potential in the Melbourne Cup First Four for mine.

13. Onesmoothoperator (USA)

• 9YO Bay Gelding – by DIALED IN (USA) from SUENO D’ORO (USA)
• Trainer (Location): Tim Fitzsimmons (Bendigo)
• Jockey: Declan Bates
• Barrier: 13
• Weight: 54.5kg
• Career Record: 51:6-11-6 Prizemoney:  $1,522,317    
• Record at Flemington: 3:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 2:0-0-0

Onesmoothoperator is a familiar name to Aussie punters, lining up in his third straight Melbourne Cup after previous finishes of 12th and 16th, and it’s hard to see him turning the tables on that form. The American-bred, former English galloper has shown genuine staying talent in Australia, winning the Geelong Cup in 2024 and the Moonee Valley Cup in 2025, but his recent efforts have lacked the spark needed to suggest another peak performance is imminent. Unplaced in all four starts this year, including well-beaten runs in the Herbert Power and Geelong Cup, the now nine-year-old appears to be racing below his best. While he has the benefit of an acceptable draw, proven staying credentials, and a capable rider in Declan Bates, history is firmly against horses of his age and his lead-up form leaves plenty to be desired. A proven stayer who will run the trip, but on current form I’m happy to leave him out this year.

14. Soul Of Spain (IRE)

• 6YO Brown Gelding – by PHOENIX OF SPAIN (IRE) from AIMHIRGIN LASS (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Chris Waller (Flemington)
• Jockey: Tommy Berry
• Barrier: 5
• Weight: 54.5kg
• Career Record: 26:5-5-6 Prizemoney: $1,170,778    
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-1-0

Soul Of Spain is a $34 roughie in the mix at time of publish and could be something of a forgotten runner capable of outracing his odds. The Chris Waller-trained Irish import has already proven he can handle the two-mile journey, charging home for a narrow second in this year’s Sydney Cup, arguably the strongest piece of staying form he brings into the race. His recent runs have been mixed, including a seventh in The Metropolitan and an eighth in the Caulfield Cup, but there was merit in that latest effort after he was forced to make an early mid-race move in a slowly run contest before sticking on solidly. The low draw, light weight and reunion with top jockey Tommy Berry are all positives, while any rain-affected ground would further enhance his prospects. He lacks the exposed form of some of the leading chances, but with Waller preparing him specifically for the staying test and proven 3200m credentials on his side, he appeals as the type of Cup bolter capable of sneaking into the top six. Don’t discount, and remember, barrier 5 is one of the best historically!

15. Zahrann (IRE)

• 5YO Brown Horse– by NIGHT OF THUNDER (IRE) from ZANNDA (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Ben Melham
• Barrier: 11
• Weight: 54.5kg
• Career Record: 12:4-2-1 Prizemoney: $505,873
• Record at Flemington: 3:0-0-1
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Zahrann is an intriguing lightweight chance for the powerhouse Maher stable and still has the upside to improve sharply at his first attempt over the famous two miles. The former Irish galloper stamped himself as a genuine Cups prospect with a dominant Naturalism Stakes victory over Saint George, who would have started at short Melbourne Cup odds if passed fit to run, while his Turnbull Stakes flop can be forgiven on a heavy track that clearly didn’t suit. His Caulfield Cup run was much more encouraging, making steady ground from the back to finish within four lengths of Kingswood in a race that suggested he was looking for further. The 54.5kg is a major advantage, he draws to get a soft run from barrier 11 which has produced more Melbourne Cup winners in history than any other gate, plus Maher has an excellent record preparing imported stayers for Australia’s biggest races. The obvious query is the 3200m, as he still has to prove he can see out the trip, but his breeding and racing style suggest there’s every chance he will. If he settles, conserves energy and gets the right tempo, he could be capable of a career-best performance and is one of the Melbourne Cup roughies I’ll be adding into my exotic bets.

16. So You Are

• 5YO Brown Gelding – by SO YOU THINK (NZ) from TORNADO GAL
• Trainer (Location): Bjorn Baker (Warwick Farm)
• Jockey: Rachel King
• Barrier: 7
• Weight: 54kg
• Career Record: 28:8-6-6 Prizemoney: $1,267,620
• Record at Flemington: 1:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: No starts

So You Are brings arguably the hottest form into the 2026 Melbourne Cup, arriving on a four-race winning streak that includes victories in the Tatts Cup, Colin Stephen Quality, ATC St Leger and most recently the Bendigo Cup. The Bjorn Baker-trained son of So You Think has gone from strength to strength this preparation, earning successive weight penalties to force his way into the final field and proving he is one of the toughest and fittest stayers in the race. Rachel King knows him perfectly and is likely to have him settling prominently from an ideal draw, a tactic that has served the pair well throughout this campaign. The obvious query is the 3200m, with the two-mile trip an entirely new challenge, and his recent wins have come outside elite Group 1 company. Still, it’s hard to knock a horse that keeps finding a way to win, especially carrying just 54kg after regularly lumping much bigger weights this spring. If he runs out the distance, he’s a leading hope for the locals and I do love how many miles he’s got in his legs leading up to this. Hints of the old Cups’ King way to train ’em!

17. Future History (GB)

• 9YO Bay Gelding – by SHOWCASING (GB) from LIKELIHOOD (USA)
• Trainer (Location): Gregory Hickman (Warwick Farm)
• Jockey: Jamie Melham
• Barrier: 12
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Career Record: 47:10-6-6 Prizemoney: $1,438,588
• Record at Flemington: 8:2-0-1
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

Future History was a late addition to the Melbourne Cup field but faces a significant task to make his presence felt. The veteran nine-year-old has been admirably consistent since joining Greg Hickman’s stable, highlighted by a solid runner-up finish behind Royal Supremacy and a competitive fourth in the Herbert Power Stakes, but he remains without a win for an extended period and his latest ninth in the Moonee Valley Cup was only fair. A proven stayer who won the Bagot Handicap over 2800m and has previous Melbourne Cup experience, Future History does at least know what the challenge entails, although his only prior attempt at the race yielded a 15th-place finish in 2023. The booking of reigning Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham has something of that fairytale feel for the storytellers, but history is firmly against nine-year-olds and his recent form suggests he may lack the class of some key rivals. Honest and genuine, he should run his race, but I can’t see back-to-back wins for Melham, sorry.

18. James J Braddock (GB)

• 4YO Bay Gelding – by ZARAK (FR) from BURKINA FASO (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Joseph O’Brien (Co. Kilkenny (IRE))
• Jockey: Craig Williams
• Barrier: 24
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Career Record: 7:2-1-1 Prizemoney: $563,534    
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: No starts

James J Braddock brings one of the more interesting profiles to the event as a lightly raced Joseph O’Brien-trained vistor whose standout form includes a strong third in the prestigious English Derby. Like several recent Northern Hemisphere-bred youngsters to excel in the race, he gets in with a handy 53.5kg and has the advantage of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams in the saddle. The son of Frankel has been touted as one of O’Brien’s best-weighted contenders, but there are still a few unknowns. His subsequent Irish form has been only fair, with sixth-place finishes in both the Irish Derby and Kilternan Stakes, while he remains untested beyond 2420m. That said, his Derby performance suggested staying is his forte, and his closing effort in the Kilternan hinted the two-mile journey could suit. The awkward outside draw adds another challenge, but if he follows the path of previous European three-year-olds who have flourished at Flemington, he has the upside to live up to some of the hype. A difficult horse to line up with confidence but has class. I think he’s a bit short and there are others around the price with more appeal for me.

19. Kizlyar (IRE)

• 5YO Bay Gelding – by MAKE BELIEVE (GB) from KISANGA (IRE)
• Trainer (Location): Joseph O’Brien (Co. Kilkenny (IRE))
• Jockey: Beau Mertens
• Barrier: 20
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Career Record: 11:3-2-2 Prizemoney: $202,850    
• Record at Flemington: 1:0-0-0
• Record at 3200m: 2:0-0-1

Kizlyar was the last horse to make it into the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field this year, but his European staying credentials demand respect. The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding stamped himself as a genuine stayer when winning the gruelling Ascot Stakes over 4000m at Royal Ascot and later finished runner-up in the Irish St Leger Trial, form that suggests the 3200m at Flemington will hold no fears. The concern is his Australian debut, where he was well supported in the Moonee Valley Cup but failed to fire, weakening out of contention after racing on the speed. That performance leaves him with plenty to prove, especially from a difficult draw, but it’s worth remembering he drops significantly in weight from what he carried in Europe and now gets his preferred staying trip. With O’Brien’s outstanding Melbourne Cup record, Kizlyar is dangerous to completely dismiss, but he will need a sharp improvement on his local form to challenge the leading hopes. On his best overseas runs he’s capable of surprising, though Top 6 finish currently looks a more realistic target than outright Cup glory.

20. Point Of Law (GB)

• 4YO Bay Horse– by FRANKEL (GB) from PORTFOLIO (JPN)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Ballarat)
• Jockey: Ethan Brown
• Barrier: 9
• Weight: 53kg
• Career Record: 5:3-1-0 Prizemoney: $578,200
• Record at Flemington: No starts
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Point Of Law has earned favouritism for good reason and looks one of the standout chances as his price at the top of Melbourne Cup betting suggests. The progressive son of Frankel announced himself as a serious contender with a tough and impressive Geelong Cup victory on Australian debut, overcoming a wide run outside the leader before kicking strongly in the straight and refusing to be run down. Trained by Ciaron Maher, who has an exceptional eye for identifying European staying talent, the Northern Hemisphere three-year-old brings an ideal Melbourne Cup profile, having already won the Bahrain Trophy and performed admirably at Royal Ascot. While he remains relatively inexperienced with only a handful of career starts and still has to prove himself over the full 3200m, his breeding, racing style and Geelong Cup performance all suggest the extra distance will suit. Carrying just 53kg, drawn to enjoy a favourable run, and retaining Ethan Brown in the saddle, Point Of Law ticks plenty of boxes. If he continues on his upward trajectory, he looks the horse to beat and is a worthy top fancy. If he salutes, history will be made as he’ll become the most lightly raced champion of the great race!

21. Strictly Business

• 4YO Brown Mare – by GRUNT (NZ) from TIVOLI LASS
• Trainer (Location): Thomas Carberry (Ballarat)
• Jockey: Michael Dee
• Barrier: 4
• Weight: 53kg
• Career Record: 11:2-2-0 Prizemoney: $920,150
• Record at Flemington: 4:1-1-0
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Strictly Buisness looked a potential Cups chance when she stormed to a dominant VRC Oaks victory at Flemington last spring, but her form since has been difficult to trust and she’s a triple-figure outsider for Tuesday. The Ballarat-trained daughter of Grunt showed a glimpse of her staying talent when narrowly beaten in the SA Derby during the autumn, yet her three runs this campaign have been well below the standard required to threaten in a Melbourne Cup. She has failed to make an impact in the Naturalism Stakes, Herbert Power Stakes and most recently the Moonee Valley Cup, where she finished at the tail of the field. The positive is that we know she can stay, she handles both wet and dry conditions, and her Oaks triumph came at Flemington, but on exposed spring form she appears to have lost the momentum that once made her an exciting staying prospect. A dramatic turnaround would not completely shock given her past ability, but she enters the race as one of the hardest runners to recommend and looks an outsider at best against this year’s deeper Cup field.

22. Mr Monaco (GB) Ciaron Maher

• 6YO Bay Gelding – by TERRITORIES (IRE) from ALLE STELLE (GB)
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Jabez Johnstone (a)
• Barrier: 16
• Weight: 52.5kg
• Career Record: 20:6-2-2 Prizemoney: $674,050
• Record at Flemington: 2:1-0-1
• Record at 3200m: 1:0-0-0

Mr Monaco has quietly put together a strong staying preparation and shapes as an interesting knockout chance for the best represented trainer in the Melbourne Cup 2026 field, Maher. The former English galloper secured his start with a dominant Bart Cummings victory at Flemington before backing it up with a brave third in the Moonee Valley Cup, where he raced wide, overraced at stages, and still fought on strongly despite apprentice Jabez Johnstone dropping his whip late. His form at Flemington has been excellent, he relishes rain-affected ground, and he gets a handy weight pull on several key rivals. The concern is the two-mile journey, with his only previous attempt at 3200m resulting in a disappointing Sydney Cup performance when well fancied. That run leaves a genuine query hanging over his staying credentials, while the wide draw and inexperienced apprentice in a race of this magnitude add further challenges. Even so, he’s clearly in career-best form, proven at the track, and if he can overcome the distance question, so has the profile of a horse capable of running above market expectation. But only if he gets the 3200m and when that’s the cloud of doubt it’s hard to take him for mine.

23. Zakouma

• 6YO Bay Gelding – by CROWDED HOUSE (GB) from DAR ES SALAAM (NZ)
• Trainer (Location): Grahame Begg (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: William Pike
• Barrier: 10
• Weight: 52kg
• Career Record: 18:5-2-1 Prizemoney: $393,110
• Record at Flemington: 4:2-0-0
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Zakouma is a genuine lightweight chance who has had this race as his grand final ever since earning a Melbourne Cup berth with a determined Andrew Ramsden Stakes victory at Flemington back in May. The Grahame Begg-trained stayer showed plenty of promise earlier in the year with three consecutive wins and has been carefully managed throughout the spring, producing solid efforts in both the Naturalism Stakes and Herbert Power Stakes without quite threatening the major players. His latest last-place finish in the Crystal Mile is easily forgiven, as that run was nothing more than a fitness top-up well short of his preferred distance range. With just 52kg on his back, proven Flemington form, and star jockey William Pike aboard fresh off Cox Plate success, Zakouma has a few sneaky positives in his favour. The main query is class, as he now meets a much stronger field than he has previously encountered, and he still needs to prove he can run out a strong 3200m at the elite level. Even so, he profiles as the type of tough, improving stayer who could surprise a few.

24. Shockletz (NZ)

• 5YO Bay Mare– by SHOCKING from ZELT
• Trainer (Location): Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
• Jockey: Harry Coffey
• Barrier: 17
• Weight: 51kg
• Career Record: 20:7-3-1 Prizemoney: $650,875
• Record at Flemington: 9:3-2-0
• Record at 3200m: No starts

Shockltez is the lightweight local hope and has been set specifically for the race by master trainer Maher. The daughter of 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking has an excellent record at Flemington, including a dominant Archer Stakes victory that secured her place in the field, and her lead-up form has been full of merit. After charging home with strong late sectionals in the Herbert Power, she produced an eye-catching second in the Tesio Stakes, suggesting she is ready to peak at exactly the right time. The mare gets in with just 51kg, reunites with Harry Coffey (pending after his fall on Derby Day) and boasts the stamina influence in her pedigree to suggest the step to 3200m could suit. The obvious unknown is that she has never raced beyond 2500m, but few horses arrive with her combination of fitness, Flemington form and upside. If she runs out the trip, Shockletz looks capable of giving the locals something to cheer about and rates as a genuine place chance and leading top-six contender.