All Melbourne Cup Horses In 2024 Field: Pros & Cons

There are 23 horses left in the mix to face off at HQ on Tuesday in the world-famous Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Monday afternoon’s scratching of Athabascan, and below we have a look at the arguments for and against each runner as they prepare to line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7.

With 23 remaining horses to do the Melbourne Cup form on it can seem an overwhelming task to sort through all the lead-up runs, track and distance statistics, stables, breeding, and more to uncover the best horses to back in the 164th edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’.

There are a host of internationals in the mix again including the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban and Absurde who return after unplaced runs last year, and Brian Ellison’s impressive Geelong Cup champion Onesmoothoperator.

Vauban has firmed into favouritism at $6.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au to atone for his 14th placed flop last year and he’s been prepped up differently coming off some impressive form back home including a last start Irish St Leger second with 62kg.

We have a Chris Waller-trained second favourite Buckaroo who is yet to win over further than 1800m but looked a powerhouse machine when running through the line in his Caulfield Cup second last start.

Ciaron Maher plays a strong hand with four runners in the 2024 Melbourne Cup field including his Ladbrokes Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi and Circle Of Fire to be ridden by Mark Zahra who chases his third Melbourne Cup win in as many years.

Add in plenty of sneaky light weights looking to steal the show, last minute qualifier Sea King for UK horseman Harry Eustace, and Japanese raider Warp Speed looking for atonement and the event opens right up!

So, let’s get into it so you can get over to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in your Melbourne Cup tips!

1. Vauban (10)

• Pros: Favourite with money coming. Barrier 10 looks ideal. Comes back from 62kg last start. Irish St Leger second with big weight last start impressed. Prepped and rated ideally. Stays all day. Group 2 Lonsdale Cup win over 3319 two back. Fit.
• Cons: Didn’t do it last year as the beaten favourite, history repeating? Gives the weight away as the 55.5kg topweight. No previous Melbourne Cup winning form from either jockey or trainer.
• Click here to read more on whether Vauban can win the 2024 Melbourne Cup

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $5 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

2. Buckaroo (20)

• Pros: Comes via a cracking Caulfield Cup second which is a great form race. Waller-trained by the master who won in 2021 with Verry Elleegant. Great performances this prep since being gelded.
• Cons: Joao Moreira yet to win a Melbourne Cup. Has to overcome barrier 20. Yet to win over further than 1800m. Is the international form stronger? Will he stay two miles?
• Click here to read more on whether Buckaroo can win the 2024 Melbourne Cup

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $8 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

3. Circle Of Fire (23)

• Pros: Runs two miles. Group 1 Sydney Cup winner. Trained by Ciaron Maher. Mark Zhara rides chasing a third straight Melbourne Cup victory.
• Cons: Three starts at Flemington without a placing. Barrier 23 of 23. Disappointing three lead-up runs without finishing better than eighth. Caulfield Cup 10th last start was flat.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $31 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

4. Warp Speed (2)

• Pros: Japanese form at home is very strong. Barrier two is ideal. Fitter for his first run in Australia. Has winning form up to 3000m back home. Will relish stepping-up to two miles and gets firmer ground.
• Cons: Was disappointing with plenty of hype when 13th in the Caulfield Cup. Delta Blues (2006) only Japanese-trained Melbourne Cup winner in history.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

5. Kovalica (16)

• Pros: Waller-trained and he is confident. Might have been crying out for this trip all along? Comes into barrier 16 which produced last year’s winner.
• Cons: Never raced at Flemington. Hasn’t seen two miles. Wider drawn. Better chances from the stable. Comes from 2040m when unplaced in the Cox Plate to 3200m. That’s tough. Hasn’t won since the 2023 Qld Derby.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $23 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (14)

• Pros: Multiple Group 1 winner. VRC Derby runner-up in 2022. Stays. 3rd in the MV Gold Cup behind Okita Soushi had merit.
• Cons: Hasn’t won since last year’s NZ Derby. Not sure he brings in the right form lines or class.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

7. Just Fine (12)

• Pros: Waterhouse & jockey Jye McNeil both have previous Melbourne Cup winning form. Proven at the track winning the Group 3 Bart Cummings with 57kg.
• Cons: Last place in the Moonee Valley Cup last start. Will try to lead and all-the-way over 3200m when he’s never seen the trip could see him fade right out late.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

8. Land Legend (17)

• Pros: Waller-trained and flies under the radar. Ran third in the Caulfield Cup despite doing plenty of work without settling throughout. Hong Kong’s Zac Purton rides. Beat a few of these two back in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) in Sydney.
• Cons: Barrier 17 is tough. Over-raced last time out so getting up to 3200m he cannot do that. Pre-race jitters could get the better of him again.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

9. Absurde (6)

• Pros: Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy rides. Mullins has brought him over again suggesting there’s confidence. Seventh last year when finishing better than Vauban. Very well weighted with 52.5kg. Last start Listed winner at home with 61kg over 2916m. Stays. Barrier 6 is nice.
• Cons: Doesn’t bring in the same strong international form lines as the stablemate. Racing in lower grades and hurdles back home. Prefer other visitors.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $9 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

10. Athabascan – SCRATCHED

11. Knight’s Choice (5)

• Pros: Barrier 5 and 51.5kg are two ticks. Shelia Laxon has won a Melbourne Cup in the past.
• Cons: Yet to win over further than 2000m. Well beaten in the Underwood, Turnbull and Caulfiled Cup so cannot see him featuring here. Fifth in the Bendigo Cup to Sea King last time out. Out of form.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $0 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

12. Okita Soushi (9)

• Pros: Jamie Kah rides and she had a killer Derby Day! Maher is master trainer of stayers and this horse is going great guns in his care. Had a shot last year and is better now more seasoned and acclimatised. Moonee Valley Gold Cup win was excellent. Draw suits. Proven at the distance.
• Cons: There might be stronger form lines to follow. Tough to come back and win after being unplaced the year prior.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $14 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

13. Onesmoothoperator (11)

• Pros: Craig Williams is a big race specialist and knows what it takes to ride a horse to Melbourne Cup glory. Geelong Cup win was outstanding and that has produced three internationals to do the double. In a field that lacks depth, he can be the next. Proven two-miler and Ebor form (7th) from overseas. Fit now and is a genuine European stayer. In on just 51kg even with the penalty. Gives Americain vibes.
• Cons: Not a lot!

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $9 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

14. Zardozi (3)

• Pros: Barrier three is ideal, she’s a proven Group 1 winner having an Oaks win at this track under her belt, from a gun stable in the Royal Blue, and is historically the right age to win the Cup. Will be flying with 51kg. Beaten only a nostril flare in The Metrop when second to Land Legend in Sydney earlier this prep. Caulfield Cup fourth had merit. Rock hard fit. Has had a genuine Cummings’ preparation with plenty of racing and miles in her legs.
• Cons: Needs to join Verry Elleegant as the only mare since the Makybe Diva three-peat to beat home the boys. Unusual to go from 2400m to a mile when fifth in the Empire Rose (1600m) on Saturday then back to 3200m just three days later. Can she handle all that racing? Will she see out two miles?

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $10 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

15. Sea King (1)

• Pros: Bendigo Cup victory was a barnstorming effort. Rails run and in on just 50.5kg. Ebor form (6th) is holding. UK stayer with upside. Was in front a long way out last start giving the indication he’ll see the two miles without worry. Form too around Onesmoothoperator (who we love!) from back home.
• Cons: Better internationals. Big 24 horse field and inside ally could find himself swamped. This is a notable rise in grade.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $13 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

16. Valiant King (21)

• Pros: Prepared by Chris Waller. Carrying just 50.5kg.
• Cons: Wide out, one of the worst for the stable. Distance query. Yet to win over further than 2011m. Three lead-up runs have been below par against a number of these rivals. Caulfield Cup 6th last year but 9th in that same race this year. Not going well enough.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

17. Fancy Man (18)

• Pros: Fourth-up and fit. Carries just 50kg. Gets track conditions to suit. Best of the 100/1 pops for those hoping for Prince Of Penzance take two.
• Cons: Wide gate 18 draw. Caulfield Cup 6th with the same weight last time out and would need to pull out something pretty magic in a tougher race over further now.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

18. Interpretation (13)

• Pros: Ciaron Maher import who failed to finish in 2022 but ran sixth last year on the back of a Bendigo Cup win, so he knows what this race is all about. Presents fit and comes off a Geelong Cup second to our pick Onesmoothoperator. Carries just 50kg in a pretty weak overall field for a Melbourne Cup.
• Cons: Has had 11 runs at Flemington for just one third so this is not his right track. Third time isn’t usually a charm in this event.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $19 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

19. Manzoice (7)

• Pros: Waller-trained.
• Cons: Hasn’t won a race since the 2022 VRC Derby. Sydney Cup 14th last time at the 3200m. Bart Cummings 10th and MV Gold Cup 7th aren’t good enough performances heading into this. Wasn’t really expected to get a start. Barrier 7 has the longest winning drought of any gate in the field.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

20. Mostly Cloudy (15)

• Pros: In on just 50kg fourth-up and fit having been set for this all along. Winning form up to 3318m so gets the trip, which is a query for a few others. Group 2 Brisbane Cup 2nd with more weight in the winter. Will appreciate firmer ground.
• Cons: Really disappointing last time out when 12th in The Bart Cummings and hasn’t had a run since. Lacks class.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

21. Positivity (19)

• Pros: Right age to win as a 4YO. Naturalism winner. Should get the trip.
• Cons: Mares don’t have a great Melbourne Cup record. Unplaced in her latest two including the MV Gold Cup eighth. Prefer plenty others off better form. Barrier 19 makes things even tougher.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

22. Saint George (8)

• Pros: Maher trained import who sneaks in as a late call up with just 50kg. Barrier 9 is a great draw. Should run out the 3200m. Moonee Valley Gold Cup fifth had merit last start.
• Cons: Hasn’t really been prepped for it. Will be brave but prefer the other, stronger international form lines. Probably needs a full prep down under before being competitive in a Melbourne Cup.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $23 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

23. The Map (22)

• Pros: One of the Golden Ticket holders after her Andrew Ramsden win here. Will run the distance. South Australian’s won the Derby last weekend….will they be cheering again come Race 7 on Tuesday? Has local support.
• Cons: Barrier 22 is a tough draw. Geelong Cup sixth last start probably not strong enough performance to see her improve and beat these.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

24. Trust In You (4)

• Pros: Barrier 4 historically is a great gate and carries only 50kg. Mark Du Plessis rides in his sixth Melbourne Cup. Fourth in The Metroplitan at big odds behind Land Legend and fourth again last in Sydney’s St. Leger only 2.42 lengths beaten with 7.5kg more.
• Cons: Toughest test to date. Stronger form lines. Would need rain to be any hope.

Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $101 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds

Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

OpenRace time: 1730779200

Runner Details	Win	Place
1. Vauban (10) J: William Buick 55.5kg T: Willie Mullins	7.00	2.70
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 (20) J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg T: Chris Waller	7.00	2.80
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 (23) J: Mark Zahra 54.5kg T: Ciaron Maher	26.00	7.00
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 (2) J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg T: N Takagi	31.00	8.50
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 (16) J: Damian Lane 53.5kg T: Chris Waller	23.00	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 (14) J: Michael Dee 53.5kg T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson	35.00	9.50
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 (12) J: Jye McNeil 53kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott	51.00	12.00
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 (17) J: Zac Purton 53kg T: Chris Waller	13.00	4.60
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 (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 52.5kg T: Willie Mullins	10.00	3.70
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.
11. Knight's Choice (5) 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 (9) J: Jamie Kah 51kg T: Ciaron Maher	14.00	4.60
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 (11) J: Craig Williams 51kg T: Brian Ellison	7.50	2.90
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 (3) J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg T: James Cummings	13.00	4.40
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	14.00	4.50
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 (21) J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg T: Chris Waller	81.00	18.00
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 (18) J: Ron Stewart 50kg T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald	71.00	16.00
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 (13) J: Teodore Nugent 50kg T: Ciaron Maher	23.00	6.50
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 (7) J: Declan Bates 50kg T: Chris Waller	126.00	21.00
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 (15) J: Karis Teetan 50kg T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young	81.00	17.00
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 (19) J: Winona Costin 50kg T: Andrew Forsman	61.00	15.00
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 (8) J: Tyler Schiller 50kg T: Ciaron Maher	23.00	6.50
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 (22) J: Rachel King 50kg T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray	51.00	12.00
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 (4) J: Mark Du Plessis 50kg T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley	61.00	14.00
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.
10. Athabascan (2)

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit ladbrokes.com.au/racing.
Data retrieved: 05/11/2024 12:09:06 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.

*All 2024 Melbourne Cup odds provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of publication, and subject to change at any time without notice.

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