Melbourne Cup 2026 Form Guide: Betting Odds, Horses, Best Tips, Predictions

Melbourne Cup 2026 form guide, tips, predictions, odds, betting, 24-horses field, who will win in Flemington?

By Sportshistori.com  | updated 31st October, 2026.

It’s here again — not just Australia’s greatest race, but a national tradition: the Melbourne Cup.

At 3.00pm on the first Tuesday of November, the nation will pause for the famous 3200m test of stamina that has become a global highlight of the racing year.

First run in 1861, the Cup has crowned legends like Phar Lap, Carbine, Rising Fast and Makybe Diva, and now attracts the world’s best stayers in what’s often called the race that stops a nation.

This year, 10 international raiders from Britain, Ireland, Japan, Germany and, for the first time, the USA, join Australia’s finest in a true world championship of handicaps — a race that captures both the country’s spirit and its love of a punt. 

🏇 Melbourne Cup 2026 Field, Horses, Tips, Predictions, Odds, Betting & Final Field Analysis Horse by Horse.

(Tuesday, November 3 – Flemington Racecourse, 3200m – Group 1 Handicap – Odds courtesy of Unibet)

The 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup shapes as one of the most open in years — a world-class mix of Australian, European, Japanese, and American stayers, with weather and barriers again set to play a key role.
Track expected to be Good 4 / Soft 5, light breeze, and a full field of 24 ready to chase racing’s richest two miles.

1. SONS AND LOVERS

Weight: 57.5kg Starting barrier (3)

Approximate win/place odds $21 / $6

6yo gelding

19: 4:2:5

Good: 16:3-2-4     Soft: 3:1-0-1     Heavy: 0:0-0-0

Earning: $2,673,759

T: Joseph O’Brien; J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

Best long-distance form: 1st, 3000m, Riyadh Red Sea Turf (G2) 14-02-26; 1st, 2800m, Longhchamp, France, Prix De Nieu (G2) 14-07-26; 4th, 3200m, Dubai Gold Cup (G2) 28-03-26.

2. TRUSTYOURINSTINCT

57kg (18)

$7 / $2.50

7yo gelding

25: 9-6-3

Good: 14:6-4-1     Soft: 9:3-2-1     Heavy: 2:0-0-1

Earning - $725,994  

T: Joseph O’Brien; J: James McDonald

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2816m, Curragh Cup (G2) Ireland, 19-07-26; 1st, 3218m, Tramore, Ireland, hurdle, 31-05-24; 4th, 2816m, Irish St Leger (G1), Curragh, 13-09-26.

3. KNIGHT’S CHOICE

56.5kg (2)

$34/$9.25

7yo gelding

31: 6-3-3

Good: 19:5-1-2     Soft: 9:1-1-1     Heavy: 3:0-1-0

Earning - $5,965,550

T: John Symonds & Shiela Laxon; J: Robbie Dolan

Best long-distance form: 1st, 3200m, Melbourne Cup (G1), Flemington, 05-11-24; 3rd, 2400m, Herbert Power Stakes (G2) Caulfield, 10-10-26.

4. MIDDLE EARTH

56.5 (1)

$15 / $4.50

7yo gelding

26: 6-2-3

Good: 17:4-1-2     Soft: 7:2-0-1     Heavy: 1:0-0-0

Earning - $1,653,040

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Mark Zahra

Best long-distance form: 3rd, 3200m, Melbourne Cup (G1) Flemington, 04-11-25; 1st, 2816m, Murless Stakes (Listed) Ascot, England, 06-10-23; 1st, 2816m, 3YO Handicap, York, England, 26-08-23.

5. VAUBAN

56.5kg (22)

$51 / $13.50

9yo gelding

33: 10-5-6

Good: 18:4-2-3     Soft: 14:6-2-3     Heavy: 1:0-1-0

earning - $2,609,243

T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott; J: Jordan Childs

Best long-distance form: 1st, 3319m, Lonsdale Cup (Gr 2) York, England, 23-08-2024; 6th, 3200m, Melbourne Cup (Gr 1) Flemington, 04-11-2025.

6. ENFJAAR

56kg (8)

$21 / $6

7yo gelding

17: 5-2-3

Good: 11:1-2-3     Soft: 2:2-0-0     Heavy: 1:0-0-0

earning - $888,181

T: Roger Varian; J: Ray Dawson

Best long-distance form: 3rd, 2400m, Caulfield Cup (G1), 17-10-26; 1st, 2414m, Glorious Stakes (G3), Goodwood, England, 01-08-26.

7. ROYAL SUPREMACY

56kg (21)

earning - $51/$13.50

6yo gelding

22: 7-3-4

Good: 9:3-2-1    Soft: 10:1-1-3    Heavy: 2:2-0-0

$2,180,412

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Ben Allen

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2400m, The Metropolitan (G1) Randwick, 04-10-25; 1st, 2200m, Q22 (G2), Eagle Farm, 13-06-26; 5th, 2400m, Caulfield Cup (G1), 18-10-25...

8. WINE DARK SEA

56kg (23)

$51/$13.50

5yo gelding

11: 4-2-0

Good: 7:3-2-0     Soft: 1:0-0-0     Heavy: 0:0-0-0

$309,842

T: Harry Charlton; J: Damian Lane

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2671m, Freer Stakes, Newbury, England, 15-08-26; 1st, 2405m, handicap, Ascot, England, 09-05-26..

9. ASTERIX

55kg (6)

$101/$26

8yo gelding

33: 8-1-2

Good: 22:5-1-2     Soft: 6:1-0-0     Heavy: 5:2-0-0

$1,500,446

T: Chris Waller; J: Jye McNeil

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2400m, Tatt’s Cup (G3), Eagle Farm, Brisbane, 27-06-26; 1st, 2400m, New Zealand Derby (G1), Auckland, 05-03-22; 4th, 3200m, Auckland Cup (G2), 09-03-24..

10. GOODIE TWO SHOES

55kg (19)

$26 / $7

8yo mare

23: 8-2-5

Good: 10:6-1-1     Soft: 13:2-1-4     Heavy: 0:0-0-0

$298,143

T: Joseph O’Brien; J: Wayne Lordan

Best long-distance form: 2nd, 3200m, Melbourne Cup (G1) Flemington, 04-11-25; 1st, 3218m, His Majesty’s Plate (Listed), Down Royal, Ireland, 30-05-25; 1st, 2816m, Lillie Langtry Stakes (G2) Goodwood, England, 01-08-26.

11. JUJA KIBO

53.5kg (14)

$15 / $4.50

6yo gelding

20: 6-3-6

Good: 12:2-3-3     Soft: 6:3-0-3     Heavy: 2:1-0-0

$1,404,634

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Sam Clipperton

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2500m, Moonee Valley Cup (G2), Flemington, 24-10-26; 1st, 2400m, The Metropolitan (G2) Randwick, 03-10-26.

12. HOPEWELL ROCK

54.5kg (15)

$9 / $3

5yo gelding

10: 3-3-2

Good: 5:2-0-2     Soft: 3:0-3-0     Heavy: 2:1-0-0

$402,417

T: George Boughey; J: Zac Lloyd

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2816m, handicap, Goodwood, England, 01-0-26; 2nd, 2786m, Ebor Hcp, York, England, 22-08-26.

13. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR

54.5kg (13)

$101/$26

9yo gelding

51: 6-11-6

Good: 19:2-0-3     Soft: 4:0-1-0     Heavy: 0:0-0-0

$1,522,317

T: Tim Fitzsimmons; J: Declan Bates

Best long-distance form: 1st, 3319m, Newbury handicap, 29-06-24; 1st, 2500m, Moonee Valley Cup (G2) 24-10-25; 1st, 2400m, Geelong Cup (G3) 23-10-24.

14. SOUL OF SPAIN

54.5kg (5)

$51/$13.50

6yo gelding

26: 5-6-6

Good: 16:4-3-3     Soft: 8:1-1-2     Heavy: 2:0-1-1

$1,170,778

T: Chris Waller; J: Tommy Berry

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2300m, Newcastle Cup (G3), 19-09-25; 2nd, 3200m, Sydney Cup (G1), Randwick, 11-04-26; 1st, 3319m maiden, Thurles, Ireland, 10-10-24.

15. ZAHRANN

54.5kg (11)

$26 / $7.25

5yo stallion

12: 4-2-1

Good: 8:4-2-0     Soft: 2:0-0-0     Heavy: 2:0-0-1

$505,873

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Ben Melham

Best long-distance form: 6th, 2400m, Caulfield Cup (G1), 17-10-26; 1st, 2414m, Leopardstown, King George V (Listed), 05-06-25.

16. SO YOU ARE

54kg (7)

$21/$6

5yo gelding

28: 8-6-6

Good: 12:4-1-4     Soft: 13:3-5-1     Heavy: 3:1-0-1

$1,267,620

T: Bjorn Baker; J: Rachel King

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2600m, St Leger (Gr 3), Randwick, 17-10-26; 1st, 2400m, Bendigo Cup (Gr 3), 28-10-26; 1st, 2400m, Colin Stephen Handicap (Gr 3), Rosehill, 26-09-26.

17. FUTURE HISTORY

53.5kg (12)

$51/$13.50

9yo gelding

47: 10-6-6

Good: 28:5-4-5    Soft: 16:4-2-1    Heavy: 2:1-0-0

$1,438,588

T: Greg Hickman; J: Jamie Melham

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2800m, Bagot Handicap (Listed), Flemington, 31-12-25; 1st, 2400m, Christmas Cup (Listed), Randwick, 13-12-25; 4th, 2400m, Herbert Power Stakes (Gr 2), Caulfield, 10-10-26.

18. JAMES J BRADDOCK

53.5kg (24)

$11/$3.50

4yo gelding

7: 2-1-1

Good: 4:1-0-0     Soft: 2:0-1-1     Heavy: 1:1-0-0

$563,534

T: Joseph O’Brien; J: Craig Williams

Best long-distance form: 3rd, 2420m, English Derby (G1), Epsom, 06-06-26; 1st, 2011m, Derby Trial (G3), Leopardstown, Ireland, 10-05-26.

19. KIZLYAR

53.5kg (20)

$34 / $9.25

5yo gelding

11: 3-2-2

Good: 4:2-1-0     Soft: 6:1-1-2     Heavy: 1:0-0-0

$202,850

T: Joseph O’Brien; J: Beau Mertens

Best long-distance form: 1st, 4013m, handicap, Royal Ascot, 16-06-26; 1st, 2816m, set weights, Killkenny, Ireland, 12-05-26; 2nd, 2816m, St Leger Trial (Gr 3), Curragh, Ireland, 22-08-26.

20. POINT OF LAW

53kg (9)

$6 / $2.25

4yo stallion

5: 3-1-0

Good: 5: 3-1-0

$578,200

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Ethan Brown

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2400m, Geelong Cup (Gr 3), 21-10-26; 1st Newmarket, England, 2615m Gr 3, 09-07-26

21. STRICTLY BUSINESS

53kg (4)

$101/$26

4yo mare

11: 2-2-0

$920,150

T: Thomas Carberry; J: Michael Dee

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2500m, VRC Oaks (Gr 1), Flemington, 06-11-25; 2nd, 2500m, South Australian Derby (Gr 1), Morphettville, 02-05-26.

22. MR MONACO

52.5kg (16)

$26 / $7.50

6yo gelding

20: 6-2-2

Good: 14: 3-1-2     Soft: 5: 2-1-0     Heavy: 1: 1-0-0

$674,050

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Jabez Johnstone

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2520m, The Bart Cummings (G3) Flemington, 03-10-26; 1st, 2400m, Rosehill Manion Cup (G3) 21-03-26.

23. ZAKOUMA

52kg (10)

$34/$9.25

6yo gelding

18: 5-2-1

Good: 12:3-2-0     Soft: 4:1-0-1     Heavy: 2:1-0-0

$393,110

T: Grahame Begg; J: William Pike

Best long distance form: 1st, 2800m, The Andrew Ramsden (Listed), Flemington, 16-05-26; 5th, 2400m, Herbert Power Stakes (G2) Caulfield, 10-10-26.

24. SHOCKLETZ

51kg (17)

$11 / $3.50

5yo mare

20: 7-3-1

Good: 12:4-2-1     Soft: 7:3-1-0     Heavy: 1:0-0-0

$650,875

T: Ciaron Maher; J: Harry Coffey

Best long-distance form: 1st, 2500m, Archer Stakes (G3), Flemington, 12-09-26; plus two 2500m wins in restricted class at Flemington and Pakenham in 2025.

Melbourne Cup 2026 Best Betting Tips – Top 8 Horses to get a ticket.

1. Point Of Law (No. 20) — $6.00 — Best Win Pick

Point Of Law has won three of five starts, including the recent Geelong Cup. Carrying just 53kg from barrier 9 gives him a strong chance, although the 3200m distance remains his biggest test.

2. Goodie Two Shoes (No. 10) — $26.00 — Best Each-Way Value

Goodie Two Shoes finished second in the 2025 Melbourne Cup and has previously won over 3218m. Her proven stamina and 55kg weight are positives, but barrier 19 could make things difficult.

3. Sons And Lovers (No. 1) — $21.00 — Strong Staying Contender

Sons And Lovers has won Group 2 races over 2800m and 3000m and finished fourth over 3200m. Barrier 3 is favorable, but carrying the top weight of 57.5kg presents a challenge.

4. Middle Earth (No. 4) — $15.00 — Proven Cup Performer

Middle Earth finished third in the 2025 Melbourne Cup and starts from barrier 1. Experienced jockey Mark Zahra strengthens his chances, although his recent form and 56.5kg weight are concerns.

5. Trustyourinstinct (No. 2) — $7.00 — Major Market Contender

Trustyourinstinct has nine career wins, including the Curragh Cup, with James McDonald booked to ride. However, barrier 18 and limited proven flat-racing form over 3200m create some uncertainty.

6. So You Are (No. 16) — $21.00 — Best Recent Local Form

So You Are enters with five consecutive wins, including the 2600m St Leger and 2400m Bendigo Cup. His strong recent performances make him a serious contender, although 3200m will be a new challenge.

7. Shockletz (No. 24) — $11.00 — Lightweight Threat

Shockletz carries just 51kg and has several victories over 2500m. Her lightweight advantage makes her dangerous, but barrier 17 and the longer distance could test her stamina.

8. Juja Kibo (No. 11) — $15.00 — Improving Stayer

Juja Kibo arrives in excellent form after winning the Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Cup. His recent performances make him a strong contender, although barrier 14 and the 3200m distance remain concerns.

🔮 Melbourne Cup 2026 Predictions: Who will win Melb Cup? 

My final selection for the 2026 Melbourne Cup winner is Point Of Law, ahead of Goodie Two Shoes and Sons And Lovers.

Point Of Law has several advantages that could be decisive: a favorable barrier, a light handicap, strong recent form and considerable scope for improvement.

However, Goodie Two Shoes arguably presents the more convincing proven two-mile profile. Her second-place finish in last year's Melbourne Cup and previous 3218m victory mean she would not need to prove her stamina in the same way.

Sons And Lovers also deserves serious respect because of his international staying record, although the top weight makes his task more difficult.

Final Melbourne Cup 2026 Picks

• Winner: Point Of Law

• Runner-up: Goodie Two Shoes

• Third: Sons And Lovers

• Fourth: Middle Earth

• Best Each-Way Value: Goodie Two Shoes

• Best Outsider: Soul Of Spain

• Biggest Threat to the Favorite: So You Are

When is the Melbourne Cup run? What time does it start?

As always, the Melbourne Cup will be held on the first Tuesday in November, meaning this year’s event will take place on November 4th.

The feature event at Flemington will be run at 3pm AEDT - although historically it runs a few minutes late.

Here are the Melb Cup start times for each state:

Victoria, NSW, Tasmania (AEDT): 3pm

South Australia (ACDT): 2.30pm

Queensland (AEST): 2pm

Northern Territory (ACST): 1.30pm

Western Australia (AWST): 12pm

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