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It’s nearly Cup Day, Australia.
The wait is over, the final acceptances are locked in, and the official Melbourne Cup 2026 field is confirmed for Tuesday’s $10.2 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
No other race captures the imagination of punters around the nation quite like the Cup, and the 166th edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’ features a fascinating blend of proven internationals, emerging local stayers, a former Melbourne Cup winner, elite jockeys and powerhouse trainers. From the mighty Irish contingent led by dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien through to the formidable local assault headed by Ciaron Maher, punters are set for one of the most competitive Melbourne Cup renewals in recent memory.
The lead-up to the race has already been packed with drama. O’Brien’s well-backed raider Defiantly, Japanese hope Stinger Glass, Caulfield Cup placegetter Saint George, and fellow contenders Jennivamoose, The Euphrates, and Kings Valley were all withdrawn during Cup week, while Future History earned a late call-up into the final line-up after securing a spot following the key scratchings.
Now, with the Melbourne Cup 2026 final field officially set, attention turns to the famous Flemington two-mile test scheduled to run as Race 7 at 3:00pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 3.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MELBOURNE CUP 2026 BARRIER DRAW & STATISTICS
Melbourne Cup 2026 Field: Quick Glance
- 24 final acceptors
- $10.2 million prizemoney
- Race 7 at Flemington on Tuesday, November 3
- Joseph O’Brien saddles five runners
- Sons And Lovers topweight with 57.5kg
- Ciaron Maher fields seven runners including race favourite Point Of Law
- 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice returns
- Jamie Melham earns a ride aboard Future History
- Rachel King partners So You Are
- Mark Zahra chases a fourth Melbourne Cup victory
- James McDonald rides leading fancy Trustyourinstinct
- International raiders dominate the upper end of betting
Official Melbourne Cup 2026 Final Field & Barrier Draw
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Sons And Lovers
J: Dylan Browne Mcmonagle
T: Joseph O’brien |
144512 | G | 3 | 57.5kg | |
|
2. Trustyourinstinct
J: James McDonald
T: Joseph O’brien |
721214 | G | 18 | 57kg | |
|
3. Knight’s Choice
J: Robbie Dolan
T: J G Symons & S Laxon |
8×0930 | G | 2 | 56.5kg | |
|
4. Middle Earth
J: Mark Zahra
T: Ciaron Maher |
x87898 | G | 1 | 56.5kg | |
|
5. Vauban
J: Jordan Childs
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
x133x9 | G | 22 | 56.5kg | |
|
6. Enfjaar
J: Ray Dawson
T: Roger Varian |
x381x3 | G | 8 | 56kg | |
|
7. Royal Supremacy
J: Ben Allen
T: Ciaron Maher |
31×910 | G | 21 | 56kg | |
|
8. Wine Dark Sea
J: Damian Lane
T: Harry Charlton |
1151×0 | G | 23 | 56kg | |
|
9. Asterix
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Chris Waller |
1×5300 | G | 6 | 55kg | |
|
10. Goodie Two Shoes
J: W M Lordan
T: Joseph O’brien |
2×8210 | M | 19 | 55kg | |
|
11. Juja Kibo
J: Sam Clipperton
T: Ciaron Maher |
9×3211 | G | 14 | 55kg | |
|
12. Hopewell Rock
J: Zac Lloyd
T: George Boughey |
x3612x | G | 15 | 54.5kg | |
|
13. Onesmoothoperator
J: Declan Bates
T: Tim Fitzsimmons |
x9x090 | G | 13 | 54.5kg | |
|
14. Soul Of Spain
J: Tommy Berry
T: Chris Waller |
x68378 | G | 5 | 54.5kg | |
|
15. Zahrann
J: Ben Melham
T: Ciaron Maher |
3×4106 | H | 11 | 54.5kg | |
|
16. So You Are
J: Rachel King
T: Bjorn Baker |
421111 | G | 7 | 54kg | |
|
17. Future History
J: Jamie Melham
T: Gregory Hickman |
6×3249 | G | 12 | 53.5kg | |
|
18. James J Braddock
J: Craig Williams
T: Joseph O’brien |
5136×6 | G | 24 | 53.5kg | |
|
19. Kizlyar
J: Beau Mertens
T: Joseph O’brien |
11x2x0 | G | 20 | 53.5kg | |
|
20. Point Of Law
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
2141×1 | C | 9 | 53kg | |
|
21. Strictly Business
J: Dean Yendall
T: Thomas Carberry |
02×000 | M | 4 | 53kg | |
|
22. Mr Monaco
J: Jabez Johnstone
T: Ciaron Maher |
0x4013 | G | 16 | 52.5kg | |
|
23. Zakouma
J: William Pike
T: Grahame Begg |
1×6650 | G | 10 | 52kg | |
|
24. Shockletz
J: Harry Coffey
T: Ciaron Maher |
864162 | M | 17 | 51kg |
*Note: Harry Coffey suffered a suspected fractured collarbone on Saturday after being dislodged from his mount, Pondalowie, in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day and may not be fit to ride in the Melbourne Cup. His availability remains subject to medical clearance.
Joseph O’Brien Holds the Strongest International Hand
No trainer enters the Melbourne Cup 2026 with a stronger team than 33-year-old master horseman Joseph O’Brien.
Already a two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer courtesy of Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020), the Irish maestro has assembled an extraordinary five-horse attack featuring:
- Sons And Lovers
- Trustyourinstinct
- James J Braddock
- Goodie Two Shoes
- Kizlyar
O’Brien’s well-backed Prix Kergorlay winner Defiantly secured his Melbourne Cup place via one of the international golden ticket races but was sensationally ruled out by Racing Victoria vets on Saturday morning paving the way for the stable’s Make Believe gelding Kizlyar to gain an 11th hour start.
Kizlyar is an out-and-out stayer with winning form back home up to 4013m and should relish the step up to two-miles second-up down under after his 11th in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup under four lengths beaten.
Sons And Lovers is the highest rated of O’Brien’s 2026 Cup contingent thanks to his victories in the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil (2800m) at Longchamp in July and the Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000m) at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year.
Prior to heading into quarantine for his trip down under, he proved his potential when running a brave second in the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes (2414m) at Leopardstown lumping 63.5kg.
He’ll cart the 2026 Melbourne Cup topweight on Tuesday of 57.5kg, a weight most recently carried to victory by Gold Trip in 2022 and has secured the services of Dylan Browne McMonagle, originally set to partner the withdrawn Defiantly, for his Australian race debut.
The change of jockeys for Sons And Lovers has left Ryan Moore without a ride in this year’s Cup race.
Incredibly, three of O’Brien’s runners occupy prominent positions in Melbourne Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.
Trustyourinstinct
The Curragh Cup winner shapes as one of the strongest European hopes after a career-best season that included Group success and a quality fourth in the Irish St Leger.
The Churchill gelding brings in form lines similar to past Melbourne Cup winners having taken out the Group 2 Curragh Cup (2816m), which was the same race both of O’Brien’s previous champions also claimed on their way to greatness in the famous Flemington Race 7.
Sitting on the second line of Melbourne Cup 2026 betting, Trustyourinstinct’s best Cup trial was his fourth behind Scandinavia in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m) at The Curragh, and he’ll only improve up to 3200m now sure to flash home late from the back.
The booking of champion jockey James McDonald only enhances his claims as he looks to give J-Mac a second Melbourne Cup victory following Verry Elleegant’s famous success in 2021.
James J Braddock
Perhaps the most fascinating of O’Brien’s squad.
The former English Derby placegetter is lightly raced, beautifully weighted with 53.5kg and has attracted strong support from local judges who believe his ceiling remains largely untapped.
With the pedigree and stamina to see out the gruelling Melbourne Cup distance, he’s been gelded since his Derby performance and big race specialist, Craig Williams, has been booked to ride the four-year-old, and Willo knows exactly what is required to win Australia’s greatest race.
Maher Launches Massive Local Assault
If anyone can challenge O’Brien’s army it is Australia’s dominant trainer Ciaron Maher.
The reigning powerhouse conditioner saddles seven runners in the race:
- Middle Earth
- Royal Supremacy
- Juja Kibo
- Zahrann
- Point Of Law
- Mr Monaco
- Shockletz
Point Of Law
Of course, the standout in Maher’s ranks is impressive Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law who represents the strongest local winning chance out to hold off the international raid.
Still lightly raced, the Frankel entire has won three of five starts and surged into Melbourne Cup favouritism after his dominant Geelong Cup success.
The Geelong Cup has long been a proven Melbourne Cup pathway and Point Of Law enters Tuesday’s feature with enormous upside.
He’s been sitting top of the Melbourne Cup 2026 odds since his Geelong Cup performance, which came at just his fifth start and saw him kick so strongly late in an eye-catching trial for Tuesday’s staying showdown.
Ethan Brown sticks aboard this year’s Cup favourite and even with his penalty, Point Of Law in on 53kg remains a standout if he can produce anything like his last start Golden Ticket success.
Shockletz
The lightweight mare carries just 51kg and has become one of the spring’s great stories.
By 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, she earned her place through victory in the Archer Stakes and now attempts to emulate her sire who also claimed the same lead-up race, then run as the Hotham Handicap, and connections will be hoping Melbourne Cup history repeats itself.
Her final Cup preparatory run saw her charging home in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes (2000m) here at Flemington reeling off some excellent late sectionals when donning the blinkers, and she looks ready to run the race of her life.
Many judges believe she has “beaten the handicapper” and is one of the most dangerous lightweight runners in the race.
Middle Earth
Last year’s Melbourne Cup third placegetter returns for another crack after producing encouraging efforts in both the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate when eighth in the latter after sitting last throughout before flashing home inside the final furlong in an encouraging sign.
The seven-year-old reunites with three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra and Maher has this guy peaking at exactly the right time.
Past Champion Returns
The fairytale story of Knight’s Choice continues.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner returns two years after his famous upset victory and again reunites with jockey Robbie Dolan.
That combination etched their names into Australian racing folklore with one of the great Melbourne Cup boilovers and now faces the challenge of becoming the first back-to-back winner since Makybe Diva’s historic hat-trick.
Co-trainer Sheila Laxon already occupies a unique place in Cup history and now chases another chapter at Flemington.
Future History Gives Jamie Melham a Cup Ride
One of the biggest stories of Cup week has been the late emergence of Future History.
Initially outside the field, the Gregory Hickman-trained stayer gained a start following the withdrawals of Saint George and Stinger Glass.
The promotion ensures reigning Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham gets her opportunity to defend her title.
After winning aboard Half Yours in 2025, Melham now returns aboard a rough outsider looking to create another memorable Cup moment.
As Melham said earlier in the week:
“You’ve got to be in the race to win it.”
Thanks to the late reshuffle, Future History is now officially in the race.
Previous Melbourne Cup Winning Jockeys in the 2026 Field
The race features an exceptional collection of Cup-winning riders:
| Jockey | Mount | Melbourne Cup Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Zahra | Middle Earth | 3 |
| James McDonald | Trustyourinstinct | 1 |
| Craig Williams | James J Braddock | 1 |
| Robbie Dolan | Knight’s Choice | 1 |
| Jamie Melham | Future History | 1 |
| Damian Lane | Wine Dark Sea | 1 |
The presence of so many proven big-race jockeys adds another fascinating dimension to this year’s contest.
Key Melbourne Cup 2026 Contenders
Point Of Law
The Geelong Cup winner continues to head many markets after producing the standout Australian lead-up performance.
Trustyourinstinct
The likely top international chance with James McDonald booked.
Shockletz
The lightweight mare many punters believe is perfectly weighted.
Hopewell Rock
Brings elite Ebor Handicap form and looks ideally treated at 54.5kg.
James J Braddock
One of the best-credentialed young stayers in the race and potentially the best weighted horse in the field.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Race Details
Race: Lexus Melbourne Cup
Race Number: Race 7
Venue: Flemington Racecourse
Distance: 3200m
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Start Time: 3:00pm AEDT
Prize Money: $10.2 million
Field Size: 24 horses
The final field is locked, the jockey bookings are complete, and the countdown is officially on.
All roads now lead to Flemington where 24 of the world’s best stayers will contest the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup, chasing a place in racing immortality in Australia’s most famous horse race.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds
| 1. Sons And Lovers (3) 57.5kg44512 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 2. Trustyourinstinct (18) 57kg21214 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 3. Knight’s Choice (2) 56.5kgx0930 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 4. Middle Earth (1) 56.5kg87898 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 5. Vauban (22) 56.5kg133×9 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 6. Enfjaar (8) 56kg381×3 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 7. Royal Supremacy (21) 56kg1×910 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 8. Wine Dark Sea (23) 56kg151×0 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 9. Asterix (6) 55kgx5300 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 10. Goodie Two Shoes (19) 55kgx8210 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 11. Juja Kibo (14) 55kgx3211 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 12. Hopewell Rock (15) 54.5kg3612x | |||
| 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. | |||
| 13. Onesmoothoperator (13) 54.5kg9×090 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 14. Soul Of Spain (5) 54.5kg68378 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 15. Zahrann (11) 54.5kgx4106 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 16. So You Are (7) 54kg21111 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 17. Future History (12) 53.5kgx3249 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 18. James J Braddock (24) 53.5kg136×6 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 19. Kizlyar (20) 53.5kg1x2x0 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 20. Point Of Law (9) 53kg141×1 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 21. Strictly Business (4) 53kg2×000 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 22. Mr Monaco (16) 52.5kgx4013 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 23. Zakouma (10) 52kgx6650 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 24. Shockletz (17) 51kg64162 | |||
| 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. | |||
