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Presage Nocturne ran one of the best trials for the ‘race that stops a nation’ flashing into the Caulfield Cup first four in his Australian debut but can the classy grey improve up in distance and salute for France in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup race?

Bringing in outstanding international form lines, this talented and dour stayer from the Chantilly stables of Alessandro Botti firmly entered calculations for the Group 1 $10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) when making up all the ground in a fast-finishing effort over the 2400m at Caulfield on October 18.

His Melbourne Cup odds firmed dramatically following that enormous effort and he is now into $8.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au for his grand final.

The extra distance getting up to 3200m was always expected to suit this proven stayer and he gets his chance now from barrier nine with accomplished French hoop and his regular rider Stephane Pasquier sticking in the saddle.

Italian-born, French-based trainer Botti will chase a lifelong dream on Tuesday as he lines up his stable ace next week and is hoping for a fairytale Melbourne Cup result.

“It’s a dream, I’ve never won a Group 1 race,” he told the media at Werribee on Sunday morning.

“I hope that it’s the first time this week.”

The last French-trained Melbourne Cup winner was Americain in 2010, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré, and Presage Nocturne is certainly getting his share of the punters’ money to be the next.

“I asked the jockey, the French jockey to respect the horse because we had a good meeting in eighteen days,” Botti added speaking of the Caulfield Cup run.

“If he could win the last race, he would have been very happy, but he finished very well and the jockey respected the horse, he wasn’t too hard, and I think the condition is better now than the last time.”

So, will Presage Nocturne deliver for Botti on the big stage at HQ on Tuesday?

Read on for the arguments for and against a 2025 Melbourne Cup win by Presage Nocturne!

2025 Melbourne Cup Horse Form: No. 6 Presage Nocturne

• Breeding: by WOOTTON BASSETT (GB) from KYUREM (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Horse
• Trainer: Alessandro Botti
• Jockey: Stephane Pasquier
• Weight: 55.5kg 
• Barrier: 9
• Owners: Mr P Zambelli, Mr A Khaddam, Mr C Pellegatti, A Botti, Mrs R Khaddam
• Career Summary: 17-5:5:3    
• Prizemoney: $782,192    
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2500/3000     
• Firm: 0:0-0-0     Good: 3:0-0-1     Soft: 9:3-3-2     Heavy: 4:1-2-0    Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Last Start: 4th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 1.81 lengths by Half Yours carrying 57.5kg

Why He’s a Major Player

• Elite European Credentials: A son of Wootton Bassett, he brings strong staying form from France, including a third in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay — a race that’s produced multiple Melbourne Cup winners, including Americain who did the double in 2010.
• Caulfield Cup Flash: His Australian debut was a beauty — storming home from 13th on the turn to finish fourth, just 1.8 lengths off the winner while carrying 57.5kg. That run screamed Cup potential.
• Weight Advantage: Drops to 55.5kg for the Cup, which gives him a genuine edge against some of the higher-weighted rivals.
• Distance Suits: Has winning form up to 3000m overseas and looks ready to relish the rise to 3200m.
• Tactical Barrier: While barrier 9 hasn’t produced a winner since 2007, it maps well for his racing style and should allow Stephane Pasquier — a top French jockey with a strong rapport — to find a rhythm.
• Consistency: Rarely runs a bad race, with only four unplaced efforts in 17 starts.
• Wet Track Tick: Rain is forecast, and he’s proven on soft ground — a crucial factor in Cup conditions.

Minor Queries

• Flemington Unknown: He’s yet to race at Flemington, and while that’s not a deal-breaker, some horses don’t handle the long straight or unique layout.
• Barrier History: Gate 9 has a poor winning record, but it’s more a stat than a tactical flaw in this case.

Final Call

Presage Nocturne has the form, the pedigree, and the tactical setup to be right in the finish. He’s a genuine top-four contender and could easily be the international to fly home late and claim the prize — especially if the rain arrives and the tempo is strong.

Verdict: Top 3 chance — strong Each Way play and a live winning hope.

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