Sons And Lovers winning in Saudi Arabia. Credit: Healy Racing Photos
1. Sons And Lovers (GB)
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Study of Man (IRE) - So In Love (GB)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle
Barrier: 3
Weight: 57.5kg
An ultra gutsy and consistent stayer who is coming off a last start second in the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown over 2414m. He brings classy international form, but I am worried about the weight he will have to carry. He has run this distance before in Dubai, finishing fourth and 4.62 lengths behind the winner. He ran the 3200m in 3:23.09, which is a long way off the standard time for the Melbourne Cup which is 3:19.15 on a Good track.
KILDARE, IRELAND - JUNE 28: Dylan Browne McMonagle riding Trustyourinstinct win The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes In Honour Of Kevin Prendergast at Curragh Racecourse on June 28, 2025 in Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
2. Trustyourinstinct (IRE)
Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding
Breeding: Churchill (IRE) - Gussy Goose (IRE)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: James McDonald
Barrier: 18
Weight: 57kg
This galloper brings the best European form to the Melbourne Cup, having won the Group 2 Curragh Cup and finishing fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger behind champion stayers Scandinavia and Queenstown. In the Curragh Cup, he launched a devastating turn of foot from last to fly past the field which included last year’s Cup favourite Al Riffa. He handles all conditions and should be one to consider.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Robbie Dolan riding Knight's Choice to win race six the Lexus Melbourne Cup during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
3. Knight’s Choice
Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding
Breeding: Extreme Choice - Midnight Pearl
Trainer: John Symons & Sheila Laxon
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
Barrier: 2
Weight: 56.5kg
The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner returns to do what no horse has done since Makybe Diva and that is win multiple Melbourne Cups. He is in better form than what he was when he won the Cup in 2024, but is carrying an extra five kilos then he did in 2024. I believe the 2024 Cup field wasn’t as strong as this year’s field and with the weight rise I doubt he can win it this year.
Middle Earth scores the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben for trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Ethan Brown. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography.
4. Middle Earth (GB)
Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding
Breeding: Roaring Lion (USA) - Roheryn (IRE)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Barrier: 1
Weight: 56.5kg
Has been competing in the best Group 1 races domestically, while he hasn’t gone close to winning he has been doing his best work late. He ran third in this race last year, but carried two kilos less than what he does this year. Would not be surprised if he were to threaten here.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Tim Clark riding Vauban win Race 5 Asahi Super Dry Sky High Stakes during "Chandon Ladies Day" - Sydney Racing at Rosehill Gardens on March 15, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
5. Vauban (FR)
Age/Sex: 8yo Gelding
Breeding: Galiway (GB) - Waldfest (GB)
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Jockey: Jordan Childs
Barrier: 22
Weight: 56.5kg
Having his fourth crack at the Cup, with his best finishing being sixth in last year’s edition. While he performs best when he is fresh and comes into this second-up, he was very plain last start in the Geelong Cup. Very hard to consider with a wide barrier and his previous failures in this race.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Ray Dawson riding Enfjaar before finishing third in race 9, the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on October 17, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
6. Enfjaar (IRE)
Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding
Breeding: Lope de Vega (IRE) - Tesoro (IRE)
Trainer: Roger Varian
Jockey: Raymond Dawson
Barrier: 8
Weight: 56kg
Enfjaar will be having his first crack at a distance over 2400m, which raises serious concerns about whether he can handle the distance. He ran a gallant third in the Caulfield Cup, which is usually the best form guide leading into the Melbourne Cup. I’m hesitant to be with him because of the query at the distance and the rise from 54.5kg in the Caulfield Cup to 56kg in the Melbourne Cup.
Mark Zahra riding Royal Supremacy after winning race 3, the Drummond Golf Jra Cup during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on September 27, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
7. Royal Supremacy (IRE)
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Make Believe (GB) - Adelasia (IRE)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Ben Allen
Barrier: 21
Weight: 56kg
Looked like he was going to be one of the well fancied runners in this race after he won second-up carrying 60kg in the 2000m Group 3 JRA Cup, but went a complete miss last start in the Caulfield Cup when he was struggling to keep up with them before the turn. If he can bounce back to form he can be a factor, but off the last start performance I can’t be in his corner.
Damian Lane riding Wine Dark Sea before race 9, the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on October 17, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
8. Wine Dark Sea (GB)
Age/Sex: 5yo Gelding
Breeding: Ulysses (IRE) - Ajwibah (GB)
Trainer: Harry Charlton
Jockey: Damien Lane
Barrier: 23
Weight: 56kg
Doesn’t bring the strongest form from Europe and he was very disappointing in the Caulfield Cup when he was quick to fold under pressure and finished eleventh and 6.61 lengths off the winner. The wide draw also doesn’t help his case.
Ben Melham rides #6 Asterix as he heads out for race 8, the Tab Turnbull Stakes during Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on October 03, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
9. Asterix (NZ)
Age/Sex: 8yo Gelding
Breeding: Tavistock (NZ) - Mourasana (GB)
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Barrier: 6
Weight: 55kg
Typically I am a big fan of this guy, but I feel like his past two performances have made it really hard to follow him. The market has listed him as the rank outsider of this race and rightfully so. While he did run fourth in an Auckland Cup over this distance his form as of late has been poor.
Wayne Lordan rides Goodie Two Shoes out for Race 7, the Lexus Melbourne Cup on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington Racecourse on November 4th, 2025. Credit: Racenet.
10. Goodie Two Shoes (IRE)
Age/Sex: 8yo Mare
Breeding: Fastnet Rock - Fits Like A Glove (IRE)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Wayne Lordan
Barrier: 19
Weight: 55kg
Runner-up in the Cup last year, Goodie Two Shoes is back to go one better. She is a phenomenal stayer, having never missed a place at this distance and arrives with a better CV than she did last year. She follows a similar prep leading into the Cup as she did in 2025, runner-up in the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes before winning the Group 2 Lillie Langtry, which she ran third in last year. The difference between this year and last year is she has had another run after the Langtry, where she finished last in the Kilternan Stakes. Willing to forgive because that was over 2400m and that is too short for her. Definitely have to be in the exotics
Sam Clipperton riding Juja Kibo defeats Jamie Melham riding Kings Valley and Jabez Johnstone riding Mr Monaco in race 7, the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup during Cox Plate Day at Flemington Racecourse on October 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
11. Juja Kibo (IRE)
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Belardo (IRE) - Na Zdorovie (GB)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Sam Clipperton
Barrier: 14
Weight: 55kg
In a purple patch of form, having not finished outside the placings in every run this prep and winning the Group 2 Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Cup. His win the Moonee Valley Cup was very impressive, coming from the back of the field and unleashing a huge turn of foot down the middle of the track to defeat his rivals. Major concern is the distance, he ran in the Sydney Cup earlier this year and ran a very underwhelming ninth and 6.6 lengths behind the winner.
Hopewell Rock powers away to win the Summer Handicap at Goodwood on August 1st, 2026. Credit: Racing.com.
12. Hopewell Rock (IRE)
Age/Sex: 5yo Gelding
Breeding: New Bay (GB) - Tidewalker (IRE)
Trainer: George Boughey
Jockey: Zac Lloyd
Barrier: 15
Weight: 54.5kg
This lightly raced Gelding ran brilliantly when placed in the Ebor, but before that he had been running in low graded races. The Ebor is typically a very strong lead-up run to the Melbourne Cup for international horses and therefore Hopewell Rock demands respect. With a light weight and ability to handle all conditions, this international raider will be a key chance.
13. Onesmoothoperator (USA)
Age/Sex: 9yo Gelding
Breeding: Dialed In (USA) - Sueno D’Oro (USA)
Trainer: Tim Fitzsimmons
Jockey: Declan Bates
Barrier: 13
Weight: 54.5kg
Contesting his third consecutive Melbourne Cup and hasn’t been close in the past. Has done nothing in two runs this prep. Look elsewhere.
Beau Mertens riding Caulfield Cup runner Soul of Spain during a trackwork session at Caulfield Racecourse on October 13, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
14. Soul Of Spain (IRE)
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Phoenix Of Spain (IRE) - Aimhirgin lass (IRE)
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Barrier: 5
Weight: 54.5kg
Ran second in the Sydney Cup earlier this year, proving he can stay the distance but the winner of the Sydney Cup was the roughie of the field, read into the form at your own peril. Was nowhere near the level of Juja Kibo in the Metropolitan two starts ago and then in the Caulfield Cup he took off at the 1200m pole going around the field to the lead, burning a lot of petrol in the process. To his credit he stuck on for eighth, but I think the best he can achieve with his ability is a place.
15. Zahrann (IRE)
Age/Sex: 5yo Horse
Breeding: Night of Thunder (IRE) - Zannda (IRE)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Ben Melham
Barrier: 11
Weight: 54.5kg
Put in two very good runs to start his prep, including beating Saint George in the Group 3 Naturalism. Forgive his Turnbull run, he didn’t handle the Heavy track and Weight For Age conditions. Last start he was still impressive despite finishing 3.9 lengths off the winner, clocking the fifth best last 400m sectional (23.43). He does his best work on dry ground, therefore the wet conditions will not help his chances.
Tommy Berry riding So You Are win Race 4 The Agency Real Estate St Leger Stakes during Sydney Racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 17, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
16. So You Are
Age/Sex: 5yo Gelding
Breeding: So You Think (NZ) - Tornado Gal
Trainer: Bjorn Baker
Jockey: Rachel king
Barrier: 7
Weight: 54kg
Has won his past four starts. All at Group 3 level, and is capable of performing in any conditions. He makes his own luck out in front, and with a low draw, expect to see him setting the tempo out in front. I have concerns about his ability to handle the distance and whether he is truly up to Group 1 level. This will be his sixth run this prep which also adds the fear of him being ‘flat’ for this contest.
Future History ridden by Ben Melham runs second behind Royal Supremacy. Credit: Getty Images.
17. Future History (GB)
Age/Sex: 9yo Gelding
Breeding: Showcasing (GB) - Likelihood (USA)
Trainer: Gregory Hickman
Jockey: Jamie Melham
Barrier: 12
Weight: 53.5kg
Battled on okay in the Moonee Valley Cup behind Juja Kibo, but not going well enough and won’t get the distance.
James J Braddock and Dylan Browne McMonagle. Credit: Healy Racing Photos
18. James J Braddock (GB)
Age/Sex: 4yo Gelding
Breeding: Zarak (FR) - Burkina Faso (GB)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Craig Williams
Barrier: 24
Weight: 53.5kg
Was very keen on this galloper’s chances before the barrier draw. He came from a long way back in the Epsom Derby to finish third on a Soft track, therefore there will be no concerns about him on a wet surface. His last two starts have been disappointing, two-starts back he went amiss in the Irish Derby behind Benvenuto Cellini (who won the Breeders’ Cup Turf) and finished sixth in the Kilternan Stakes. Drawing barrier 24 is a huge disadvantage for him, especially for a young horse having his first attempt at two miles.
Ben Melham riding Kizlyar to the start of race 7, the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup during Cox Plate Day at Flemington Racecourse on October 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
19. Kizlyar (IRE)
Age/Sex: 5yo Gelding
Breeding: Make Believe (GB) - kisanga (IRE)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Beau Mertens
Barrier: 20
Weight: 53.5kg
Had high hopes for him leading into the Moonee Valley Cup, but he ran very poorly and finished 11th behind Juja Kibo and other key rivals. Hard to see him flipping the result. The one thing he has going for him is you know he’ll handle the distance, having won at 4000m at Royal Ascot.
Ethan Brown riding Point of Law after winning race 7, the Ladbrokes Geelong Cup during Melbourne Racing at Geelong Racecourse on October 21, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
20. Point Of Law (GB)
Age/Sex: 4yo Horse
Breeding: Frankel (GB) - Portfolio (JPN)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Ethan Brown
Barrier: 9
Weight: 53kg
The favourite for the Cup and rightfully so. His Geelong Cup win was very impressive, he jumped from the widest barrier and had to work hard to get to the front where he sat outside the leader. He repelled the challenge from Small Fry up the entirety of the straight and won the Geelong Cup in 2:27.97, a faster time than the Caulfield Cup. With a low draw he will get an economical run and should see the trip even though he has only raced as far as 2846m. Has to be in the numbers.
John Allen riding Strictly Business winning Race 8, the Crown Oaks during Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 06, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
21. Strictly Business
Age/Sex: 4yo Mare
Breeding: Grunt (NZ) - Tivoli Lass
Trainer: Thomas Carberry
Jockey: Dean Yendall
Barrier: 4
Weight: 53kg
VRC Oaks winner in 2025, but since then has failed to find her form and has finished amongst the stragglers in her three runs this prep. Look elsewhere.
Jabez Johnstone riding Mr Monaco winning race 7, the The Lexus Bart Cummings during Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on October 03, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
22. Mr Monaco (GB)
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Territories (IRE) - Alle Stelle (GB)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Jabez Johnstone (a)
Barrier: 16
Weight: 52.5kg
The wetter the better for this bloke. Earned his ticket into the Cup after slogging it out on a Heavy track in Group 3 Bart Cummings. Last start ran a gallant third in the Moonee Valley Cup on a dry track. He gets a huge weight drop from 57.5kg to 52.5kg, but like many, I am concerned with his ability to handle the distance.
Zakouma ridden by Jordan Childs wins the Lexus Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 16, 2026. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)
23. Zakouma
Age/Sex: 6yo Gelding
Breeding: Crowded House (GB) - Dar Es Salaam (NZ)
Trainer: Grahame Begg
Jockey: William Pike
Barrier: 10
Weight: 52kg
He has been ticking over nicely this preparation, with solid performances in the Group 3 Naturalism and Herbert Power. Forget and forgive his last start performance in the Crystal Mile, that was just to get him wound up and fit for this contest. He would have to improve considerably to threaten the big players in this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was there abouts in the finish.
24. Shockletz (NZ)
Age/Sex: 5yo Mare
Breeding: Shocking - Zelt
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Harry Coffey
Barrier: 17
Weight: 51kg
Shockletz is trying to emulate her sire Shocking, in winning the Archer and Melbourne Cup double. She absolutely loves Flemington and can handle rain affected tracks, as long as it doesn’t deteriorate to a Heavy track. Her latest run, while encouraging to see her make up ground, reads as a very weak form reference. A Group 3 restricted only to mares, compared to a Group 1 Caulfield Cup or Group 3 Geelong Cup is a grade below and hasn’t been a path Cup winners have used. In saying that, she is in the right stable and would be a remarkable story if after his fall on Derby Day that Harry Coffey could win the Melbourne Cup.
