The 164th Melbourne Cup is the feature event at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November. With over $8,000,000 in prizemoney on offer and the chance to be written into the racing history books, this is the race every Australian dreams about winning. Join our experts as they outline the key chances in the race that stops a nation.
The Melbourne Cup
#1 Vauban $6.00
Last year’s favourite who failed to fire a shot on the big stage. The camp have put the extra miles into his legs this year, and I suspect he is in better shape leading into the 2024 edition. His form around the world-class Kyprios while carrying 62kg reads extremely well for this event, and I expect him to look the winner as they run for the doctor. Hard to toss!
The Melbourne Cup
#13 Onesmoothoperator $7.50
Onesmoothoperator will have supporters after a dominate win in the Geelong Cup. The drop to 51kg is advantageous, and the 3200m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. His international form is outrageous, and he possesses a powerful turn of foot. Craig Williams will attract market support, and with even luck in-transit, I expect him to make his presence felt late. Major player.
The Melbourne Cup
#18 Interpretation $19.00
Interpretation ran extremely well in this race last year. The Galileo gelding has returned to form at the right time, and his run in the Geelong Cup was ominous. He has sense of timing about him, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the finish once again. Ready to peak, and I suspect he will be savaging the line late. Big watch at a decent quote.
The Melbourne Cup
#14 Zardozi $16.00
There is a sense of timing about last year’s VRC Oaks winner. The Kingman mare is ultra-consistent, and she turned punters’ heads on Saturday, flashing home to finish fifth in the Empire Rose. Barrier four will allow her to sit closer in the run, and she strips fitter after her pipe opener over 1600m. She needs to find a few lengths on some of her key local rivals; however, she is ready for the performance of a lifetime. Must include her in all winning conversations.
The Melbourne Cup
#9 Absurde $10.00
Absurde performed really well in last year’s Melbourne Cup. The tough and experienced stayer won a hurdle event three starts back, and he took out a Listed event over 2915m at his latest outing. The Fastnet Rock gelding will thrive with the 52.5kg on his back, and he is ideally drawn in barrier seven. He is ready to fire!
The Melbourne Cup
#23 The Map $51.00
The Map is ready for the first Tuesday in November. The South Australian qualified for our great race with a gutsy win in the Andrew Ramsden, and her form since has been good without winning. Her previous attempt at 3200m was a beauty in the Adelaide Cup, and her run in the Geelong Cup put her rivals on notice. She loves Flemington more than Phar Lap and Makybediva and will be hitting the line hard. Great each-way prospect.
