The official Melbourne Cup 2024 barrier draw has been locked in with all 24 Melbourne Cup horses allocated their starting positions for the 164th running of Australia’s most famous race on Tuesday at Flemington Racecourse, so below we take a look at the Melbourne Cup barrier statistics to help you pick the winner!
Race favourite, the Chris Waller-trained Caulfield Cup runner-up Buckaroo, will jump from barrier 21 with Brazilian hoop Joao Moreira to ride on 54.5kg.
Vow And Declare (2019) was the last Melbourne Cup winner successful from the wide barrier 21 draw and the odds at Ladbrokes.com.au on Buckaroo to be the next are currently at $5.50.
2024 Melbourne Cup Favourite’s Barrier
- No. 2 Buckaroo is the 2024 Melbourne Cup favourite drawn barrier 21 which last produced a winner with Vow And Declare (2019)
Race favourite Buckaroo will jump from barrier 21 of 24 in the 2024 Melbourne Cup field
Last year’s Melbourne Cup winning barrier (16) was drawn this spring by the Trent Bususttin & Natalie Young-trained six-year-old Mostly Cloudy.
Last Year’s Melbourne Cup Winning Barrier
- Barrier 16 (Without A Fight) – drawn in 2024 by No. 20 Mostly Cloudy
Last spring Without A Fight won the 2023 Melbourne Cup from barrier 16.
Busuttin & Young had two of their Melbourne Cup contenders ruled out earlier in the week by Racing Victoria stewards but remain in with a rough hope with Mostly Cloudy a triple figure hope in the markets.
The last time back-to-back Melbourne Cup winners jumped from the same barrier was in 2012 and 2013 with Green Moon and Fiorente both saluting from gate five.
Most Successful Melbourne Cup Barriers:
- Barrier 11 – 9 wins (last win Americain in 2010) – Drawn in 2024 by No. 1 Vauban
- Barrier 5 – 8 wins (last win Fiorente in 2013) – Drawn in 2024 by No. 24 Trust In You
- Barrier 10 – 6 wins (last win Protectionist in 2014) – Drawn in 2024 by No. 12 Okita Soushi
- Barrier 14 – 6 wins (last win Makybe Diva in 2005) – Drawn in 2024 by No. 18 Interpretation
- Barrier 8 – 5 wins (last win Viewed in 2008) – Drawn in 2024 by No. 19 Manzoice
Barrier eleven is the most successful in Melbourne Cup history producing nine winners since 1924 with Americain (2010) the last and is drawn in 2024 by the Willie Mullins-trained topweight Vauban.
Vauban ran 14th in last year’s race in a disappointing effort as the beaten favourite from Ireland from gate three but returns as the current $7 second favourite wider out with claims in a far from vintage edition of the race this coming Tuesday.
Barrier 11 has produced 9 Melbourne Cup winners since 1924 and belongs this year to Irish raider Vauban
Barrier five producing eight Melbourne Cup winners is the next best and belongs on Tuesday to one of the $101 roughies from New Zealand, Trust In You, to be ridden by Mark Du Plessis on just 50kg.
The past six Melbourne Cup winners have all jumped from a double-digit barrier.
Rekindling (barrier 4 in 2017) was the last Melbourne Cup winner to jump from a single-digit gate.
Outside 2024 Melbourne Cup Barrier
- Barrier 24 drawn in 2024 by No. 3 Circle Of Fire
The last Melbourne Cup winner to jump from the outside barrier was Brew from gate 22 in 2000.
This year the outside gate, barrier 24, was drawn by the autumn’s Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire to be ridden by dual defending Melbourne Cup winning jockey Mark Zahra.
Longest Drought From a Melbourne Cup Barrier
- Barrier 7 hasn’t produced a Melbourne Cup winner since 1924 – Drawn in 2024 by No. 9 Absurde
Quirky Melbourne Cup Barrier in 2024
- No. 23 The Map drew barrier 23 and is the only horse in the race to have the same saddlecloth and barrier position
The 2024 Melbourne Cup runs as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday’s bumper 10-race card.
Melbourne Cup Barrier History
| Barrier | Number of winners | Last winner |
| 1 | 5 | Prince Of Penzance (2015) |
| 2 | 3 | Twilight Payment (2020) |
| 3 | 3 | Media Puzzle (2002) |
| 4 | 5 | Rekindling (2017) |
| 5 | 7 | Fiorente (2013) |
| 6 | 5 | Light Fingers (1965) |
| 7 | 1 | Blackwood (1924) |
| 8 | 5 | Viewed (2008) |
| 9 | 4 | Efficient (2007) |
| 10 | 5 | Protectionist (2014) |
| 11 | 8 | Americain (2010) |
| 12 | 2 | Foxzami (1949) |
| 13 | 4 | Gold Trip (2022) |
| 14 | 6 | Makybe Diva (2005) |
| 15 | 1 | Silver Knight (1973) |
| 16 | 4 | Without A Fight (2023) |
| 17 | 5 | Almandin (2016) |
| 18 | 1 | Verry Elleegant (2021) |
| 19 | 6 | Cross Counter (2018) |
| 20 | 2 | Empire Rose (1988) |
| 21 | 5 | Vow And Declare (2019) |
| 22 | 2 | Gurner’s Lane (1982) |
| 23 | 3 | Brew (2000) |
| 24 | 3 | Gala Supreme (1973) |
Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds
Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Vauban (11)
J: William Buick 55.5kg
T: Willie Mullins |
||
| Going well. Comes here off a 51-day let-up. Most recently 2nd in a small field at Curragh in the G1 Irish St Leger on September 15 over 2816m, 2.25 len behind Kyprios carrying 62kg at $9. Before that won by a nose at York G2 Lonsdale Cup August 23 over 3319m defeating Al Nayyir carrying 59.5kg at $6.50. Failed in this last year but is going even better and can atone. | ||
|
2. Buckaroo (21)
J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run 2nd of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 1.3 len behind Duke De Sessa with 54.5kg at $3.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; head behind Via Sistina carrying 58kg at $6.50. Racing very well in the right races, if he stays the trip he'll go awfully close. | ||
|
3. Circle Of Fire (24)
J: Mark Zahra 54.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| At the latest run 10th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 13 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 54.5kg at $26. The run before that 9th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Via Sistina with 58kg at $81. Up to two miles suits but would've liked to see more last time. | ||
|
4. Warp Speed (3)
J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg
T: N Takagi |
||
| Second run back. First-up after six months got back early 13th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 16 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 54.5kg at $26. Previously second-up 2nd of 15 at Hanshin in the G2 Hshn Daishoten on March 17 over 3000m, 5 len behind T O Royal carrying 57.0kg at $12.80. Rise in trip and dry ground suits but he needs a big form reversal. | ||
|
5. Kovalica (17)
J: Damian Lane 53.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful gelding. Last start eased back early on 6th of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 26 over 2040m, 11 len behind Via Sistina with 59kg at $26. The race before that 2nd of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Hill Stks on October 12 over 1900m, head behind Attrition with 59kg at $4. Has the ability and gets over a staying trip now which may be key. | ||
|
6. Sharp 'N' Smart (15)
J: Michael Dee 53.5kg
T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run 3rd of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 2.5 len behind Okita Soushi with 59kg at $19. Before that 13th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, slow going 10 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $26. Much better last time, will need to improve again. | ||
|
7. Just Fine (13)
J: Jye McNeil 53kg
T: G Waterhouse & A Bott |
||
| Useful gelding. At the latest run raced on the pace before fading ran last of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 10 len behind Okita Soushi with 58kg at $9. The race before that won by a head at this track G3 Bart Cummings October 5 over 2520m on a soft track defeating Point King with 57kg at $21. Awful last time and hard to back off that. | ||
|
8. Land Legend (18)
J: Zac Purton 53kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful type. Most recently 3rd of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Duke De Sessa with 53kg at $8.50. The start before that won by a nose at Randwick G1 The Metrop October 5 over 2400m defeating Zardozi with 51kg at $7.50. Will relish the big track and 3200m; can win. | ||
|
9. Absurde (7)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 52.5kg
T: Willie Mullins |
||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation by 1.3 len Chester LR Chester Stks August 31 over 2916m defeating Caius Chorister carrying 61kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign second last in a small field at Curragh in the G3 Irish St Lgr Tr August 17 over 2816m, 31 len behind Grosvenor Square with 61kg at $3.80. Ran well here last year in a stronger edition and is going just as well. | ||
|
10. Athabascan (2)
J: Zac Lloyd 52kg
T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton |
||
| Last start ran on from midfield and won by a nose at Randwick G3 St Leger October 19 over 2600m on a soft track defeating Wyclif carrying 57.5kg at $6.50. Before that raced on the pace before fading 10th of 17 at Randwick in the G1 The Metrop on October 5 over 2400m, 8 len behind Land Legend carrying 54kg at $15. Tidy win last time, doubt he has the class to figure prominently. | ||
|
11. Knight's Choice (6)
J: Robbie Dolan 51.5kg
T: J G Symons & S Laxon |
||
| At the latest run 5th of 15 at Bendigo in the G3 Bdgo Cup on October 30 over 2400m, 5 len behind Sea King with 57kg at $26. The start before that got back early 14th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 16 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 51.5kg at $201. A bit better last time but will be deservedly long odds here. | ||
|
12. Okita Soushi (10)
J: Jamie Kah 51kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Useful type. Last start came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at Moonee Valley G2 Mv Cup October 25 over 2500m defeating Serpentine with 55kg at $11. The race before that rolled along in front before being edged out 2nd of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 1.3 len behind Herman Hesse with 54.5kg at $41. Has found form at the right time and could give a sight. | ||
|
13. Onesmoothoperator (12)
J: Craig Williams 51kg
T: Brian Ellison |
||
| Most recently won by 2.25 len at Geelong G3 Geel Cup October 23 over 2400m defeating Interpretation with 54kg at $11. The start before that 4th of 7 at Kempton Park All Weather in the G3 September Stks on September 7 over 2414m, 7 len behind Kalpana carrying 60.5kg at $34. Looked very good at local debut and this trip will only suit better. | ||
|
14. Zardozi (4)
J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg
T: James Cummings |
||
| Most recently 5th of 13 at this track in the G1 Empire Rose on November 2 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Atishu carrying 57kg at $19. Before that ran on from midfield; 4th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 8 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 51kg at $6.50. Has a few lengths to find on key rivals but has a nice platform to peak here. | ||
|
15. Sea King (1)
J: Hollie Doyle 50.5kg
T: Harry Eustace |
||
| Second run back. First-up after two months ran on from midfield and won by 4 len at Bendigo G3 Bdgo Cup October 30 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 54.5kg at $5.50. Previously second-up 14th of 19 at Ascot on June 21 over 2414m, 14 len behind Crystal Black carrying 58.5kg at $23. Only needs to hold that form to be winning again. Dominant at local debut and looks a genuine hope if he can go on with it. | ||
|
16. Valiant King (22)
J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Most recently 9th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 13 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 50.5kg at $67. The start before that 10th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $101. Might appreciate 3200m but isn't going well enough to win. | ||
|
17. Fancy Man (19)
J: Ron Stewart 50kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| Last start 6th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 9 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 50kg at $61. The run before that came from midfield; 3rd of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Herman Hesse with 55.5kg at $9. Others seem to have his measure. | ||
|
18. Interpretation (14)
J: Teodore Nugent 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Most recently 2nd of 13 at Geelong in the G3 Geel Cup on October 23 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Onesmoothoperator carrying 54kg at $21. Before that 6th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Just Fine carrying 54kg at $61. Has been hitting the line strongly in key lead ups, ready to peak. | ||
|
19. Manzoice (8)
J: Declan Bates 50kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Most recently 7th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Okita Soushi with 55kg at $11. Before that 10th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 4.5 len behind Just Fine carrying 54.5kg at $6.50. Hasn't been competitive of late, will be long odds. | ||
|
20. Mostly Cloudy (16)
J: Karis Teetan 50kg
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
||
| Comes here off a 31-day let-up. Most recently second last of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Just Fine with 54.5kg at $10. Before that 4th of 9 at this track in the G3 Archer Stks on September 14 over 2500m, on a wet track; 2 len behind Point King carrying 55.5kg at $4.50. Handy stayer who will run the trip but lacks the class to win. | ||
|
21. Positivity (20)
J: Winona Costin 50kg
T: Andrew Forsman |
||
| Last start raced behind the speed prior to fading 8th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 5 len behind Okita Soushi with 52.5kg at $6. The start before that settled back and ran on when 7th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 2.5 len behind Just Fine carrying 54.5kg at $14. Poor last time and 3200m is a query. | ||
|
22. Saint George (9)
J: Tyler Schiller 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run eased back early on 5th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 3 len behind Okita Soushi carrying 55kg at $10. The race before that 9th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 4.5 len behind Just Fine with 54kg at $6.50. Showed something last time and this trip should suit; not hopeless. | ||
|
23. The Map (23)
J: Rachel King 50kg
T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray |
||
| Last start 6th of 13 at Geelong in the G3 Geel Cup on October 23 over 2400m, 5 len behind Onesmoothoperator with 54kg at $8.50. Before that 5th of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 4 len behind Herman Hesse carrying 54.5kg at $12. Should run the trip but lacks the class to feature. | ||
|
24. Trust In You (5)
J: Mark Du Plessis 50kg
T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley |
||
| Going well. Last start 4th of 9 at Randwick in the G3 St Leger on October 19 over 2600m, slow going 2.5 len behind Athabascan carrying 57.5kg at $8.50. The run before that made some head-way from midfield; 4th of 17 at Randwick in the G1 The Metrop on October 5 over 2400m, 3.5 len behind Land Legend carrying 53kg at $67. Looks outclassed. | ||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit ladbrokes.com.au/racing.
Data retrieved: 03/11/2024 04:31:17 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Data retrieved: 03/11/2024 04:31:17 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
The Melbourne Cup. Plenty of betting angles as usual, with one being whether BUCKAROO (2) will run 3200m strongly. Gelded this campaign, he's been outstanding in defeat at his past two starts, nosed out by Via Sistina in the G1 Turnbull Stakes before charging into second in the G1 Caulfield Cup. That looked a perfect Cup trial, the gamble is whether that translates to two miles. VAUBAN (1) returns to Flemington having started favourite in this race last year and failing. He's coming off a tough second to a superstar in Kyprios and if he handles the occasion, he'll just about win. INTERPRETATION (18) has a sense of timing. He's flown home at his past two and was excellent from a long way back here last year. KOVALICA (5) is very interesting out to a trip, which we haven't seen since his G1 Queensland Derby win. He's got the ability. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (13) and SEA KING (15) were both excellent at their local debuts and come here with genuine chances.