Chris Waller‘s Caulfield Cup runner-up Buckaroo will start favourite out wide from barrier 21 in Tuesday’s Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) with the 24-horse field for the 164th edition of the great race now confirmed.

Final Melbourne Cup 2024 acceptances are out, and Buckaroo is one of a bumper five Waller-trained contenders as the master horseman chases his second win following Verry Elleegant in 2021.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2024 MELBOURNE CUP BARRIER DRAW STATISTICS

Waller’s 2022 Victoria Derby winner Manzoice, to be ridden by Declan Bates, made the cut on Saturday with the withdrawal of Kiwi galloper Mahrajaan who became the latest in a long list of Melbourne Cup horses ruled out by Racing Victoria stewards due to their CT scans.

Along with the favourite Buckaroo and triple-figure roughie Manzoice Waller will also saddle-up Kovalica coming off a Cox Plate sixth, Caulfield Cup third placegetter Land Legend who looks nice value on Tuesday, and Valiant King.

Joao Moreira will partner this year’s Melbourne Cup favourite who looks the tough to beat top elect despite not having won over further than 1800m ahead of his two-mile test with a very manageable 54.5kg.

Chris Waller Trained 2024 Melbourne Cup Horses

• Buckaroo (Joao Moreira)
• Kovalica (Damian Lane)
• Land Legend (Zac Purton)
• Valiant King (Craig Newitt)
• Manzoice (Declan Bates)

Three of the past seven Melbourne Cup winners were internationally trained with Rekindling (2017), Cross Counter (2018), and Twilight Payment (2020).

This year there are five raiders left in contention with the best in Melbourne Cup betting being the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban back for a second shot after running 14th as the beaten favourite behind Without A Fight last year.

Vauban, who will carry the 55.5kg Melbourne Cup topweight on Tuesday, was last seen running of second in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m) which is always a strong form race.

2024 Melbourne Cup Top-Weight

• Vauban (55.5kg)

Mullins and the team are confident the horse can atone for his flop last year and the bookies agree.

Mullins will also saddle-up last year’s Ebor Handicap winner Absurde in his bid at Melbourne Cup glory down under.

Absurde also ran in the 2023 Melbourne Cup finishing seventh, but he is at longer odds than his stablemate to improve and win in 2024.

He is a two-time winner from his five starts over the past 12 months but neither win was in Group class suggesting he’s not going as good as the other Irish visitor.

Internationally Trained 2024 Melbourne Cup Horses (Outside Australia & New Zealand)

• Warp Speed (Noboru Takagi)
• Vauban (Willie Mullins)
• Absurde (Willie Mullins)
• Onesmoothoperator (Brian Ellison)
• Sea King (Harry Eustace)

Vauban will have English hoop William Buick aboard on Tuesday, while Absurde will be partnered by three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy chasing his record-equaling fourth success.

Japan’s Warp Speed out to join Delta Blues (2006) as the only Japanese-trained winners of the Melbourne Cup gets his chance to atone after being ridden conservatively for a disappointing Australian debut in the Caulfield Cup.

The horse ran 13th some 16 lengths beaten but has winning form up to 3000m, presents fitter for the run, and can make amends at a price now.

Harry Eustace‘s impressive Bendigo Cup winner Sea King and the Brian Ellison-trained Onesmoothoperator who put them to bed in the Ladbrokes Geelong Cup are the other international visitors both with strong claims to take out the 2024 edition of the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’.

Sea King, sixth in the Ebor before coming down under, will carry 50.5kg with Hollie Doyle riding after making a mess of his Bendigo Cup rivals with a 3.75 length romp home.

Onesmoothoperator will be ridden by Craig Williams, who won the Cup back in 2019 aboard Vow And Declare and has overcome a lead-up scare to be given the all clear to run.

He was under a cloud earlier after a cut was found in his heel but was subsequently reshoed and re-examined with all parties happy for him to line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7 on Tuesday.

Fellow raiders Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010), Dunaden (2011) all completed the Geelong Cup – Melbourne Cup double which bodes well for Onesmoothoperator in a far from vintage edition of the latter this year.

Melbourne Cup Winning Jockeys Riding in 2024

• Kerrin McEvoy (Absurde)
• Mark Zahra (Circle Of Fire)
• Craig Williams (Onesmoothoperator)
• Jye McNeil (Just Fine)

Mark Zahra, who famously opted to come off Gold Trip who he rode to victory in 2022 to partner the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Caulfield Cup winner Without A Fight on 56.5kg and salute last year, will chase a third consecutive Melbourne Cup victory in 2024 riding Circle Of Fire.

One of four 2024 Melbourne Cup contenders for Ciaron Maher, who trained Gold Trip in 2022 in partnership with David Eustace, Circle Of Fire is a proven two miler having won the Sydney Cup but hasn’t been in terrific form this spring including a last start Caulfield Cup 10th.

The other Maher-trained runners are last start Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi, Geelong Cup runner-up Interpretation, and late inclusion due to the high attrition rate Saint George.

2024 Melbourne Cup Field: Trainers with The Most Runners

• Chris Waller (5) – Buckaroo, Kovalica, Land Legend, Valiant King, Manzoice
• Ciaron Maher (4) – Circle Of Fire, Okita Soushi, Interpretation, Saint George
• Willie Mullins (2) – Vauban, Absurde

Both Okita Soushi, when Irish-trained by Joseph O’Brien, and Interpretation also ran in last year’s Melbourne Cup finishing 11th and 6th respectively.

2023 Melbourne Cup Contenders Back in 2024

• Interpretation (6th)
• Absurde (7th)
• Okita Soushi (11th)
• Vauban (14th)

Michelle Payne on 100/1 outsider Prince Of Penzance in 2015 is the only Melbourne Cup winning female rider to date but there will be a record four female jockeys in the event this year.

Female Jockeys With a 2024 Melbourne Cup Ride

• Jamie Kah (Okita Soushi)
• Hollie Doyle (Sea King)
• Rachel King (The Map)
• Winona Costin (Positivity)

Verry Elleegant in 2021, who tragically passed away in foal earlier this year, became the first Melbourne Cup winning mare since the Makybe Diva three-peat (2003-05).

This year there are three female horses in the mix with the Godolphin-raced Zardozi coming off a Caulfield Cup fourth, Golden Ticket holder for her Andrew Ramsden win The Map, and New Zealander Positivity who won the Naturalism earlier this prep.

2024 Melbourne Cup Mares

• Zardozi (James Cummings)
• The Map (Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray)
• Positivity (Andrew Forsman)

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to run as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday the 5^th of November.

Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds

Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

OpenRace time: 1730779200

Runner Details	Win	Place
1. Vauban (11) J: William Buick 55.5kg T: Willie Mullins	7.00	2.80
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	6.00	2.50
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	34.00	9.00
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	26.00	7.50
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	21.00	6.50
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	71.00	16.00
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	34.00	9.00
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	18.00	5.50
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	10.00	3.60
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	41.00	11.00
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	101.00	21.00
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	21.00	6.50
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	8.00	3.10
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	15.00	4.80
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	11.00	3.70
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	61.00	14.00
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	101.00	19.00
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	17.00	5.50
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	61.00	14.00
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	101.00	21.00
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	101.00	21.00
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	26.00	7.50
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	41.00	11.00
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	101.00	21.00
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: 02/11/2024 10:09:28 PM (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.

2024 Melbourne Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw

1. Vauban (FR) (Willie Mullins) to be ridden by William Buick (55.5kg) from barrier 11

2. Buckaroo (GB) (Chris Waller) to be ridden by Joao Moreira (54.5kg) from barrier 21

3. Circle Of Fire (GB) (Ciaron Maher) to be ridden by Mark Zahra (54.5kg) from barrier 24

4. Warp Speed (JPN) (Noboru Takagi) to be ridden by Akira Sugawara (54.5kg) from barrier 3

5. Kovalica (NZ) (Chris Waller) to be ridden by Damian Lane (53.5kg) from barrier 17

6. Sharp ‘n’ Smart (NZ) (Graeme & Deborah Rogerson) to be ridden by Michael Dee (53.5kg) from barrier 15

7. Just Fine (IRE) (Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott) to be ridden by Jye McNeil (53kg -includes 0.5kg penalty) from barrier 13

8. Land Legend (FR) (Chris Waller) to be ridden by Zac Purton (53kg – includes 1.0kg penalty) from barrier 18

9. Absurde (FR) (Willie Mullins) to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy (52.5kg) from barrier 7

10. Athabascan (FR) (John O’Shea & Tom Charlton) to be ridden by Zac Lloyd (a) (52kg) from barrier 2

11. Knight’s Choice (John Symons & Sheila Laxon) to be ridden by Robbie Dolan (51.5kg) from barrier 6

12. Okita Soushi (IRE) (Ciaron Maher) to be ridden by Jamie Kah (51kg – includes 1.0kg penalty) from barrier 10

13. Onesmoothoperator (USA) (Brian Ellison) to be ridden by Craig Williams (51kg – includes 1.0kg penalty) from barrier 12

14. Zardozi (James Cummings) to be ridden by Andrea Atzeni (51kg) from barrier 4

15. Sea King (GB) (Harry Eustace) to be ridden by Hollie Doyle (50.5 includes 0.5 penalty kg) from barrier 1

16. Valiant King (GB) (Chris Waller) to be ridden by Craig Newitt (50.5kg) from barrier 22

17. Fancy Man (IRE) (Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald) to be ridden by Ron Stewart (50kg) from barrier 19

18. Interpretation (IRE) (Ciaron Maher) to be ridden by Teo Nugent (50kg) from barrier 14

19. Manzoice (Chris Waller) to be ridden by Declan Bates (50kg) from barrier 8

20. Mostly Cloudy (IRE) (Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young) to be ridden by Karis Teetan (50kg) from barrier 16

21. Positivity (NZ) (Andrew Forsman) to be ridden by Winona Costin (50kg) from barrier 20

22. Saint George (GB) (Ciaron Maher) to be ridden by Tyler Schiller (50kg) from barrier 9

23. The Map (Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillvray) to be ridden by Rachel King (50kg) from barrier 23

24. Trust In You (NZ) (Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley) to be ridden by Mark Du Plessis (50kg) from barrier 5