Melbourne Cup 2026 Form: Can So You Are Keep on Winning?

Few horses head into the Melbourne Cup 2026 carrying as much momentum as So You Are.

While much of the pre-race discussion has centred on the European raiders and emerging favourite Point Of Law, the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding has quietly built one of the most compelling form profiles in the race. Four consecutive victories, a perfect barrier draw, a manageable weight and a preparation packed with racing have seen the son of So You Think emerge as one of the most popular local hopes in Melbourne Cup 2026 betting at Ladbrokes.

Punters love horses in winning form, and there may not be a fitter runner in the entire field.

The question is whether So You Are can extend his remarkable winning streak one more time on racing’s biggest stage.

Red-Hot Form Makes Him One of the Best Backed Horses

In a race dominated by lightly raced internationals and stayers arriving off long breaks, So You Are offers something very different.

He arrives battle-hardened.

The five-year-old has won his past four starts in succession, stringing together victories in the ATC St Leger, Tattersall’s Cup, Colin Stephen Quality, and most recently the Bendigo Cup.

That winning streak has transformed him from an outsider battling for Cup qualification into one of the genuine market fancies.

Importantly, he has earned his Melbourne Cup berth the hard way.

Rather than being handed a spot through ratings or overseas credentials, So You Are has forced his way into the field through sheer consistency and determination.

A Throwback to the Old-School Melbourne Cup Stayer

One aspect of So You Are’s profile that appeals to traditional racing fans is the way he has been prepared.

Modern Melbourne Cup contenders are often lightly raced and carefully managed throughout the spring.

So You Are has followed a different path.

The Baker-trained gelding has been racing regularly, stepping through the grades and building fitness with every run.

It’s the type of campaign that evokes memories of the old-school Melbourne Cup stayers who thrived on racing and arrived at Flemington with plenty of miles in their legs.

The strategy appears to be working.

Rather than looking fatigued, So You Are continues to improve.

Every challenge placed in front of him this preparation has been answered.

Bendigo Cup Win Confirmed His Melbourne Cup Credentials

Melbourne Cup 2026 Horses & Form: So You Are — Bendigo Cup winning So You Are comes in as the fit Melbourne Cup horse in 2026. Photo: Brett Holburt.

His latest victory in the Bendigo Cup may have been the run that convinced many punters he belongs among the leading Melbourne Cup 2026 contenders.

Carrying weight and racing with confidence, he again showed the toughness that has become a hallmark of his preparation.

There was no flashy performance.

No explosive turn of foot.

Just a genuine stayer refusing to let another horse past him.

Those traits often prove invaluable in the Melbourne Cup, where resilience, fitness and determination can be every bit as important as raw ability.

The Bendigo Cup has a proud history as a Melbourne Cup lead-up, and So You Are joins Tuesday’s field as one of the latest horses to use it as the final stepping stone.

Rachel King Holds the Perfect Hand

Melbourne Cup 2026 Horses & Form: So You Are to be ridden by Rachel King — Rachel King will ride So You Are in the 2026 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The booking of Rachel King is another major positive.

King has developed an excellent partnership with So You Are and understands exactly how to maximise his strengths.

Unlike many rivals expected to settle towards the rear, So You Are possesses tactical versatility and can put himself into the race much earlier.

From barrier seven, expect King to secure an economical run near the speed before attempting to gradually increase the pressure as the race unfolds.

In a Melbourne Cup often dominated by backmarkers, that racing pattern could be a valuable asset.

There should be no excuses from the draw.

So You Think Bloodlines Suggest the Distance Could Suit

The biggest challenge facing So You Are is also the biggest challenge facing many runners in the race.

Can he run 3200 metres?

He has never contested the famous Melbourne Cup distance before, making Tuesday’s assignment a genuine test of stamina.

However, there are reasons for optimism.

His sire, So You Think, passed on plenty of staying ability during his stud career, producing numerous horses capable of succeeding over extended distances.

Furthermore, So You Are has continued to improve as the distances have increased throughout this preparation.

The further he has travelled, the stronger he has looked.

That pattern gives punters confidence the rise to 3200m may not be beyond him.

Weight and Barrier Both Work in His Favour

Several key contenders in the Melbourne Cup 2026 odds market have drawn awkwardly or face challenging weight assignments.

So You Are has escaped both concerns.

His 54kg weight looks very competitive in the context of this year’s race, particularly considering the bigger weights he has successfully carried throughout much of his spring campaign.

Barrier seven should also allow him to secure the ideal run.

The draw provides flexibility, gives King options and removes much of the early pressure from the race.

In a contest where luck often plays a significant role, those advantages should not be underestimated.

The Case Against

While there is plenty to like, no Melbourne Cup hopeful comes without risks.

The obvious concern is class.

His winning streak has been excellent, but he now meets a much stronger field, including accomplished international stayers with elite European form.

The Melbourne Cup is an entirely different challenge.

There is also the question of the two-mile journey.

Winning over staying distances is one thing.

Winning over 3200m against world-class opposition is another.

Finally, he enters the race off a relatively quick turnaround from the Bendigo Cup, though his recent performances suggest racing is thriving rather than hindering him.

So, Can So You Are Keep on Winning?

At some point with horses like So You Are, the form becomes impossible to ignore.

Punters spent much of the spring questioning whether he could keep progressing.

He answered with another win.

Then another.

Now he arrives at Flemington chasing a fifth straight victory and carrying the hopes of many local racing fans.

Whether he ultimately runs out the 3200m remains to be seen, but nobody can question his heart, fitness or current form.

And in a race where so many contenders arrive with unknowns, there is something appealing about backing the horse that simply keeps winning.

2026 Melbourne Cup Horse Profile: No. 16 So You Are

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Open Race time:

	16. So You Are (7) 54kg21111 J: Rachel KingT: Bjorn Baker	12.00WIN 4.40PLACE
On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.8 len in the G3 Bendigo Cup on October 28 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.9 len in the G3 Atc St Leger Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 2600m in soft going defeating Tempesti with 57.5kg at $3.30. Other form potentially stronger but he’s flying, not the worst.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 03/11/2026 07:56:15 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: So You Are to Win the Melbourne Cup 2026

Breeding: So You Think (NZ) x Tornado Gal
Age/Sex: 5YO Brown Gelding
Trainer: Bjorn Baker
Jockey: Rachel King
Weight: 54kg
Barrier: 7
Career Record: 28:8-6-6
Prizemoney: $1,267,620
Record at Flemington: 1:0-0-0
Record at 3200m: Unraced
Last Start: 1st in the Bendigo Cup

The big boy So You Are takes out the 2026 Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup ?@BBakerRacing pic.twitter.com/CHUDU2LZjs
— Ladbrokes Australia (@ladbrokescomau) October 28, 2026

Why So You Are Is a Genuine Melbourne Cup Chance

Four consecutive victories coming into the race.
One of the fittest horses in the field.
Progressive staying profile.
Proven ability to carry weight.
Drawn ideally in barrier seven.
Rachel King knows him well.
Appeals as one of the leading local hopes.
Genuine racing toughness and determination.

Potential Concerns

First attempt at 3200m.
Faces significantly stronger opposition.
Quick backup from the Bendigo Cup.
Yet to prove himself against elite international stayers.

So You Are – Last 5 Starts

Date	Track	Race	Distance	Result	Margin	Jockey	Weight	Track rating
28 Oct 2026	Bendigo	Bendigo Cup (G3)	2400m	1st of 13	0.8L	Rachel King	58.5kg	Good 4
17 Oct 2026	Randwick	St Leger Stakes (G3)	2600m	1st of 10	0.9L	Tommy Berry	57.5kg	Soft 6
26 Sep 2026	Rosehill	Colin Stephen Quality (G3)	2400m	1st of 6	0.2L	Rachel King	58.5kg	Good 4
5 Sep 2026	Randwick	DrinkWise Cup (Listed)	2400m	1st of 8	1.8L	Rachel King	57.5kg	Good 4
22 Aug 2026	Randwick	Premier’s Cup (G3)	2000m	2nd of 8	0.6L	Rachel King	53kg	Soft 6

Final Verdict

So You Are may lack the international profile of some of his rivals, but he enters the Melbourne Cup 2026 with arguably the strongest recent form in the race.

His winning streak, ideal draw and old-school staying preparation make him one of the most fascinating runners in the field. The 3200m remains the great unknown, but there is no doubting his fitness, confidence or will to win.

If he handles the extra distance, the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding could easily continue his dream spring and emerge as one of the great local stories of this year’s Melbourne Cup.

Verdict: Top 6 contender – deserving market fancy and a genuine each-way chance capable of giving punters a huge sight.

Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Open Race time:

	1. Sons And Lovers (3) 57.5kg44512 J: Dylan Browne McmonagleT: Joseph O’brien	20.00WIN 6.00PLACE
Comes here off a 52-day let-up. Last start 2nd of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 2.25 len behind Arabian Crown with 63.5kg at $15. The race before that won by a head in the G2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil at Longchamp on July 14 over 2800m defeating Parachutiste carrying 59kg at $2.60. Top weight but brings classy international form and should go very well.
	2. Trustyourinstinct (18) 57kg21214 J: James McDonaldT: Joseph O’brien	9.00WIN 3.50PLACE
Form hard to fault. Comes off a 51 day let-up. Last start 4th of 7 in the G1 Irish St Leger Stakes at Curragh on September 13 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Scandinavia carrying 61.5kg at $7.50. Before that won by 0.8 len in the G2 Curragh Cup on July 19 over 2816m defeating Happy Pharoah carrying 62kg at $7.50. Brings a lovely profile and strong international form, and the man in the saddle goes okay too.
	3. Knight’s Choice (2) 56.5kgx0930 J: Robbie DolanT: J G Symons & S Laxon	51.00WIN 12.00PLACE
Most recently eased back early on 14th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 10 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $31. Before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, head behind Pinhole with 56kg at $7. Shock winner of 2024 Cup with more weight this time, hard to see him repeating the dose.
	4. Middle Earth (1) 56.5kg87898 J: Mark ZahraT: Ciaron Maher	17.00WIN 5.50PLACE
At the latest run eased back early on 8th of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 7 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $71. The race before that 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $61. Ticking along as well as he was last year and has claims.
	5. Vauban (22) 56.5kg133×9 J: Jordan ChildsT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	61.00WIN 14.00PLACE
Second-up. First-up after five months 9th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 6 len behind Point Of Law carrying 60.5kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 8 in the G1 He Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on March 28 over 2400m, slow going 5 len behind Aeliana carrying 59kg at $7. Fourth crack at the Cup, only second up here and 3200m remains a worry.
	6. Enfjaar (8) 56kg381×3 J: Ray DawsonT: Roger Varian	23.00WIN 7.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after three months held ground to the line 3rd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.0 len behind Kingswood carrying 54.5kg at $12. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the LR Wolferton Stakes at Ascot on June 16 over 2011m, 5 len behind Map Of Stars carrying 59.5kg at $13. Very game first up, not sure he wants 3200m though.
	7. Royal Supremacy (21) 56kg1×910 J: Ben AllenT: Ciaron Maher	61.00WIN 14.00PLACE
Last start 15th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 17 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $13. The run before that won by 0.8 len in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m defeating Future History with 60kg at $4.80. Had some excuses last time but 3200m is a worry.
	8. Wine Dark Sea (23) 56kg151×0 J: Damian LaneT: Harry Charlton	41.00WIN 10.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after two months raced on the pace before fading 11th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 6 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $8. Previously second-up won by 13 len in a Rating 85 at Carlisle on June 24 over 2212m defeating Golden West carrying 64kg at $1.80. Up in trip should suit but needed to see more last time.
	9. Asterix (6) 55kgx5300 J: Jye McneilT: Chris Waller	67.00WIN 15.00PLACE
Last start eased back early on 12th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 7 len behind Kingswood with 53.5kg at $61. Before that ran last of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, in the wet; 43 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $71. Has a lot to find on past couple.
	10. Goodie Two Shoes (19) 55kgx8210 J: Wayne LordanT: Joseph O’brien	21.00WIN 7.00PLACE
Returns from a 52-day let-up. Most recently ran last of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 9 len behind Arabian Crown with 62kg at $34. The run before that ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by a nose in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on August 1 over 2816m defeating Santorini Star carrying 61kg at $9. Ran very well in this last year, more weight now, place probably best again.
	11. Juja Kibo (14) 55kgx3211 J: Sam ClippertonT: Ciaron Maher	13.00WIN 4.60PLACE
Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run won by 0.5 len in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m defeating Kings Valley carrying 58kg at $7.50. Before that ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m in soft going defeating Aethelwulf with 56.5kg at $5.50. Flying off moderate tempos, if he can convert that to two miles he’ll run well.
	12. Hopewell Rock (15) 54.5kg3612x J: Zac LloydT: George Boughey	6.50WIN 2.80PLACE
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation second of 22 at York Ebor Handicap August 22 over 2816m, a head behind Daiquiri Bay with 60.5kg at $7.50. Previously first up; third of 8 at Newmarket (Rowley) May 2 over 2414m, 1.75 len behind Daiquiri Bay carrying 61kg at $5.50. Progressive stayer with the right form lines, looks a strong winning chance.
	13. Onesmoothoperator (13) 54.5kg9×090 J: Declan BatesT: Tim Fitzsimmons	71.00WIN 16.00PLACE
At the latest run 11th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 9 len behind Point Of Law carrying 57kg at $21. Before that got back early 9th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Pinhole with 58kg at $26. Not going nearly well enough.
	14. Soul Of Spain (5) 54.5kg68378 J: Tommy BerryT: Chris Waller	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
At the latest run 8th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53kg at $61. The start before that 7th of 9 in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Juja Kibo with 58.5kg at $7.50. Had some excuses latest but this looks too tough.
	15. Zahrann (11) 54.5kgx4106 J: Ben MelhamT: Ciaron Maher	34.00WIN 9.50PLACE
Last start 6th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4 len behind Kingswood with 53kg at $7.50. Before that 11th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 18 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $12. Worked home quite well last time but the 3200m is an unknown.
	16. So You Are (7) 54kg21111 J: Rachel KingT: Bjorn Baker	12.00WIN 4.40PLACE
On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.8 len in the G3 Bendigo Cup on October 28 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.9 len in the G3 Atc St Leger Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 2600m in soft going defeating Tempesti with 57.5kg at $3.30. Other form potentially stronger but he’s flying, not the worst.
	17. Future History (12) 53.5kgx3249 J: Jamie MelhamT: Gregory Hickman	61.00WIN 14.00PLACE
At the latest run 9th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Juja Kibo with 57kg at $26. The start before that 4th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2 len behind Pinhole with 57kg at $7. Going along okay but this is too tough.
	18. James J Braddock (24) 53.5kg136×6 J: Craig WilliamsT: Joseph O’brien	21.00WIN 6.50PLACE
Second run back. Comes off a 52-day let-up. First-up after three months 6th of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 4 len behind Arabian Crown carrying 59kg at $13. Previously second-up won by a nose in the G3 Leopardstown Derby Trial on May 10 over 2011m defeating Pierre Bonnard with 59.5kg at $10. Epsom Derby placegetter but form since has been mixed, inclined to risk.
	19. Kizlyar (20) 53.5kg1x2x0 J: Beau MertensT: Joseph O’brien	41.00WIN 11.00PLACE
Second-up today. Last run raced on the speed throughout before fading 11th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 4 len behind Juja Kibo with 56kg at $3.80. At only start last preparation 2nd in a small field in the G3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes at Curragh on August 22 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Queenstown with 61kg at $4.30. Went way too slow at Aus debut, could be a knockout hope up in trip.
	20. Point Of Law (9) 53kg141×1 J: Ethan BrownT: Ciaron Maher	8.00WIN 3.20PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months won by 0.5 len in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m defeating Small Fry carrying 55kg at $6. Previously second-up won by 1.3 len in a 3yo Mdn Sw at Newbury on May 15 over 2011m defeating Hatteen with 60.5kg at $1.60. Impossible to knock and looks the one again. Huge win at local debut in fast time, lightly raced and if he brings that form he’ll go close again.
	21. Strictly Business (4) 53kg2×000 J: Dean YendallT: Thomas Carberry	71.00WIN 15.00PLACE
Most recently ran last of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 14 len behind Juja Kibo with 55kg at $81. The race before that ran second last of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 10 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $71. Not going nearly well enough.
	22. Mr Monaco (16) 52.5kgx4013 J: Jabez JohnstoneT: Ciaron Maher	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
Recent form sound. Most recently ran on from midfield; 3rd of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 0.8 len behind Juja Kibo carrying 57.5kg at $16. The start before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 1.3 len in a G3 The Bart Cummings at this track on October 3 over 2520m in the wet defeating Litzdeel carrying 54kg at $8. Past two have been good, should run well for wider exotics.
	23. Zakouma (10) 52kgx6650 J: William PikeT: Grahame Begg	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
Most recently ran last of 11 in the G2 Crystal Mile at this track on October 24 over 1600m, 8 len behind Surfin’ Bird with 57.5kg at $26. The run before that 5th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.5 len behind Pinhole carrying 57kg at $7. Ignore last week when sharply back in trip, he was building nicely prior.
	24. Shockletz (17) 51kg64162 J: Harry CoffeyT: Ciaron Maher	10.00WIN 3.80PLACE
At the latest run 2nd of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.5 len behind Soverato with 58kg at $7.50. Before that 6th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.75 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $6. Past two have been excellent Cup trials and now up in trip with no weight, look out.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 03/11/2026 07:56:15 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

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