The 2026 Melbourne Cup features a diverse field of 24 runners, with trainers Ciaron Maher and Joseph O'Brien fielding the largest stables with seven and five horses respectively. The prestigious 3,200-meter race at Flemington is set to commence at 3 p.m. AEDT, with potential rain adding an unpredictable element to the track conditions and the prospects of several contenders.
Leading Contenders and Dark Horses
Among the top contenders, Point Of Law ($7 TAB odds) enters the race with a strong Geelong Cup victory and a lightly raced profile suggesting further improvement. Trustyourinstinct ($7.50) boasts solid European staying credentials, enhanced by jockey James McDonald. Hopewell Rock ($10), an English challenger, brings competitive Ebor Handicap form and an appealing weight, though its lack of an Australian lead-up race is a consideration.
Middle Earth ($15), third in last year's Cup, is back with proven distance capability. So You Are ($12) arrives on a four-race winning streak, but faces its toughest test over the 3,200-meter distance for the first time. Shockletz ($9.50) carries a light weight and has shown a finishing burst, with its sire having previously won the Cup, though the distance is also an unknown for the mare.
International Challengers
Irish raider Sons And Lovers ($19) carries top weight but possesses strong European form and a tactical advantage from its barrier. Vauban ($51) returns for its fourth Cup attempt, its best performance being sixth last year, but recent form and a wide barrier present challenges. Enfjaar ($26) has proven Australian form with a Caulfield Cup placing, but the step up to 3,200 meters is a key question. Wine Dark Sea ($41) has a strong staying foundation but faces a wide draw and a need for improvement after a disappointing Caulfield Cup.
Proven Performers and Outsiders
Knight's Choice ($34), the 2024 winner, returns with his jockey and a favorable draw, but needs to rebound from a poor Caulfield Cup run. Goodie Two Shoes ($26), last year's runner-up, has the advantage of experience at the distance and track, but carries more weight this year. Royal Supremacy ($51) has demonstrated quality in wins, but a significant form reversal is needed after fading in the Caulfield Cup. Asterix ($61), a New Zealand Derby winner, needs to recapture its best form to be competitive. James J Braddock ($19), an Epsom Derby placegetter, brings class but faces a challenging outside barrier.
Potential Value and Placegetters
Soul Of Spain ($34) has proven 3,200-meter credentials from its Sydney Cup second. Zahrann ($26) showed late strength in the Caulfield Cup, but its stamina over 3,200 meters remains unproven. Juja Kibo ($12) is in strong recent form with successive wins, but its ability to sustain a finish over the Cup distance is a question. Mr Monaco ($23) has competitive recent Flemington form and a light weight, but its stamina for the Cup distance is also a concern. Zakouma ($34) secured an early Cup berth with an Andrew Ramsden win, but faces a class rise. Onesmoothoperator ($61) and Strictly Business ($71) face significant challenges based on their recent form and past Melbourne Cup performances.
Kizlyar ($41) is an outsider whose endurance could be an asset if the race develops into a searching test of stamina, despite a poor Australian debut. Future History ($51) has extensive staying experience but requires a performance far above its recent level to contend.