Melbourne Cup Horses

The confirmed 2025 Melbourne Cup horses will be known when the field for the Tuesday November 4 classic is announced on Victoria Derby Day (Saturday the 1st of November)! 

BET ON THE 2025 MELBOURNE CUP HORSES

Punters can bet on the 2025 Melbourne Cup horses they think will make the final field now with our pre-nomination Melbourne Cup betting odds! 

Flemington R7 - Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Final Race time: 

1st	14. Half Yours (8) J: Jamie Melham 53kg 15141T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy	9.00WIN 3.50PLACE
2nd	20. Goodie Two Shoes (20) J: W M Lordan 51.5kg 1113xT: Joseph O'Brien	31.00WIN 8.50PLACE
3rd	7. Middle Earth (13) J: Ethan Brown 54.5kg 50903T: Ciaron Maher	26.00WIN 8.00PLACE
4th	21. River Of Stars (14) J: Beau Mertens 51.5kg x7802T: Chris Waller	19.00WIN 6.00PLACE
5th	23. Torranzino (18) J: Celine Gaudray 51kg 80821T: Paul Preusker	34.00WIN 9.00PLACE
6th	4. Vauban (2) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg x3650T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	21.00WIN 6.50PLACE
7th	1. Al Riffa (19) J: Mark Zahra 59kg x4211T: Joseph O'Brien	7.50WIN 3.10PLACE
8th	9. Absurde (4) J: Kerrin McEvoy 53.5kg 2x3x7T: Willie Mullins	19.00WIN 6.00PLACE
9th	13. Changingoftheguard (24) J: Tim Clark 53kg 82106T: Kris Lees	61.00WIN 14.00PLACE
10th	8. Meydaan (22) J: James McDonald 54kg 05239T: Simon & Ed Crisford	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
11th	17. Furthur (7) J: Michael Dee 52kg 52516T: Andrew Balding	41.00WIN 11.00PLACE
12th	3. Arapaho (15) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 36408T: Bjorn Baker	31.00WIN 8.50PLACE
13th	10. Flatten The Curve (17) J: Thore Hammer-Hansen 53.5kg 1411xT: Henk Grewe	21.00WIN 6.50PLACE
14th	12. Smokin' Romans (11) J: Ben Melham 53.5kg 72948T: Ciaron Maher	67.00WIN 15.00PLACE
15th	22. Royal Supremacy (21) J: Robbie Dolan 51kg 11215T: Ciaron Maher	34.00WIN 8.50PLACE
16th	24. Valiant King (10) J: Jye McNeil 51kg 3x013T: Chris Waller	9.50WIN 3.70PLACE
18th	15. More Felons (23) J: Tommy Berry 53kg x0944T: Chris Waller	41.00WIN 11.00PLACE
19th	6. Presage Nocturne (9) J: Stephane Pasquier 55.5kg 13x34T: Alessandro Botti	5.50WIN 2.80PLACE
20th	18. Parchment Party (3) J: John R Velazquez 52kg 2311xT: William I Mott	71.00WIN 14.00PLACE
21st	19. Athabascan (1) J: Declan Bates 51.5kg x0002T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	61.00WIN 15.00PLACE
22nd	11. Land Legend (16) J: Joao Moreira 53.5kg 39500T: Chris Waller	61.00WIN 14.00PLACE
23rd	5. Chevalier Rose (5) J: Damian Lane 55.5kg 70x0xT: Hisashi Shimizu	51.00WIN 13.00PLACE
24th	2. Buckaroo (12) J: Craig Williams 57kg x3232T: Chris Waller	14.00WIN 4.60PLACE

For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 01/06/2026 10:40:33 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

View Results

Each year the finest Melbourne Cup horses take to the Flemington track on the first Tuesday of November in the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’. The Melbourne Cup field for the $10 million classic has a capacity of 24 runners that can run and look to add their name to the iconic list of Melbourne Cup winners.

Increasingly the Melbourne Cup horses that line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7 come for overseas.

2025 MELBOURNE CUP HORSE PROFILES

Once the Melbourne Cup 2025 horses are confirmed, below we will take a look over a few of the key contenders in the ‘race that stops a nation’.

Below punters can stay up-to-date Melbourne Cup horses of interest that have secured a run in the 24-horse feature race at Flemington.

Stay up to date with the confirmed 2025 Melbourne Cup jockeys below to see what jockeys are riding what horses in this year’s Melbourne Cup field.

With the 2025 Melbourne Cup approaching on November 4th at Flemington, the prospective field is starting to take shape, although the final 24 contenders won’t be confirmed until the Saturday before the race. 

2025 MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS

• 1. AL RIFFA
• 2. BUCKAROO
• 3. ARAPAHO
• 4. VAUBAN
• 5. CHEVALIER ROSE
• 6. PRESAGE NOCTURNE
• 7. MIDDLE EARTH
• 8. MEYDAAN
• 9. ABSURDE
• 10. FLATTEN THE CURVE
• 11. LAND LEGEND
• 12. SMOKIN ROMANS
• 13. CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD
• 14. HALF YOURS
• 15. MORE FELONS
• 16. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR
• 17. FURTHUR
• 18. PARCHMENT PARTY
• 19. ATHABASCAN
• 20. GOODIE TWO SHOES
• 21. RIVER OF STARS
• 22. ROYAL SUPREMACY
• 23. TORRANZINO
• 24. VALIANT KING

2025 Melbourne Cup Final Field: Melbourne Cup Horses

The official Melbourne Cup 2025 Final Field & Barrier Draw is released on Saturday November 1, 2025, with the last round of acceptances closing at 4:30pm (local time) before the announcement is made live from Flemington post the VRC Derby Day racing.

The full list of 2025 Melbourne Cup Horses & Jockeys will be detailed below for punters as soon as released by Racing Victoria.

The 2025 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place on the evening of Saturday November 1, 2025, from 6:30pm (AEDT) and can be viewed live at Racing.com.

The official Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025 final field and barriers are now out with Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours the narrow favourite drawn well in barrier 8.

Flemington R7 - Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Final Race time: 

‹›

	Entrant	Last 6	Sex	Barrier	Weight
	1. Al Riffa J: Mark Zahra T: Joseph O'Brien	3x4211	H	19	59kg
	2. Buckaroo J: Craig Williams T: Chris Waller	0x3232	G	12	57kg
	3. Arapaho J: Rachel King T: Bjorn Baker	x36408	G	15	56.5kg
	4. Vauban J: Blake Shinn T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	0x3650	G	2	56.5kg
	5. Chevalier Rose J: Damian Lane T: Hisashi Shimizu	070x0x	H	5	55.5kg
	6. Presage Nocturne J: Stephane Pasquier T: Alessandro Botti	x13x34	H	9	55.5kg
	7. Middle Earth J: Ethan Brown T: Ciaron Maher	x50903	G	13	54.5kg
	8. Meydaan J: James McDonald T: Simon & Ed Crisford	205239	G	22	54kg
	9. Absurde J: Kerrin McEvoy T: Willie Mullins	32x3x7	G	4	53.5kg
	10. Flatten The Curve J: Thore Hammer-Hansen T: Henk Grewe	11411x	G	17	53.5kg
	11. Land Legend J: Joao Moreira T: Chris Waller	x39500	G	16	53.5kg
	12. Smokin' Romans J: Ben Melham T: Ciaron Maher	x72948	G	11	53.5kg
	13. Changingoftheguard J: Tim Clark T: Kris Lees	x82106	G	24	53kg
	14. Half Yours J: Jamie Melham T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy	215141	G	8	53kg
	15. More Felons J: Tommy Berry T: Chris Waller	2x0944	G	23	53kg
	16. Onesmoothoperator J: Harry Coffey T: Brian Ellison	5x8401	G	6	53kg
	17. Furthur J: Michael Dee T: Andrew Balding	152516	C	7	52kg
	18. Parchment Party J: John R Velazquez T: William I Mott	92311x	H	3	52kg
	19. Athabascan J: Declan Bates T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	9x0002	G	1	51.5kg
	20. Goodie Two Shoes J: W M Lordan T: Joseph O'Brien	31113x	M	20	51.5kg
	21. River Of Stars J: Beau Mertens T: Chris Waller	3x7802	M	14	51.5kg
	22. Royal Supremacy J: Robbie Dolan T: Ciaron Maher	011215	G	21	51kg
	23. Torranzino J: Celine Gaudray T: Paul Preusker	x80821	G	18	51kg
	24. Valiant King J: Jye McNeil T: Chris Waller	93x013	G	10	51kg

View Results

Melbourne Cup Ballot Exempt Races

There are currently 10 races offering a “golden ticket” into the Melbourne Cup field with the following races offering the winners a ballot free ride for the famous Flemington feature as of 2025. 

International Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:

• The Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup (3219m) – Winner: Parchment Party
• Listed Ebor Handicap (2816m) – Winner: Ethical Diamond (not nominated for the Melbourne Cup)

Australian Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:

• Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) – Winner: Deakin (withdrawn)
• Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m) – Winner: Basilinna (withdrawn) 
• Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) – Winner: Revelare (withdrawn)
• Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) – Winner: Valiant King 
• Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) – Winner: Half Yours
• Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) – Winner: Torranzino
• Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) – Winner: Onesmoothoperator
• Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) – Winner: Via Sistina (withdrawn)

2025 MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS

 1. AL RIFFA (FR) – Barrier 19

• Breeding: by WOOTTON BASSETT (GB) from LOVE ON MY MIND (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Horse
• Trainer: Joesph O’Brien
• Jockey: Mark Zahra
• Weight: 59kg
• Barrier: 19
• Owners: Australian Bloodstock, Australian Bloodstock No 2, Mr A Guoga, Mr J W Woodbridge, Mr P B Price, Roth Brogan, Deg Racing, Two Of Each, B.J & A.K Paterson, Mr S Quinn, G & C Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Murphy Syndicate, AB Al Riffa Crew, AB Al Riffa Racing , Miss M Guoga, Miss G Tobar, Ms A Nassis, Mr P Kaltzidis, Miss A Tobar, Mr P Brown
• Career Summary: 15-5:5:1
• Prizemoney: $2,133,420
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1408/2816
• Firm: 1:0-0-0Good: 7:3-3-1Soft: 7:2-2-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 1st in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m) at Curragh on September 14, won by 4 lengths carrying 61.5kg

A hugely impressive performance from the @JosephOBrien2-trained Al Riffa in the G1 Comer Group Irish St Leger pic.twitter.com/NJXHmzAbpf

— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) September 14, 2025

 2. BUCKAROO (GB) – Barrier 12

• Breeding: by FASTNET ROCK from ROHERYN (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: Craig Williams
• Weight: 57kg
• Barrier: 12
• Owners: Mr A Kheir, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr J A O’Neill, YES Bloodstock, Carty Racing, A K Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold, Mr T R Maddern, Bromfield Park Pty Ltd
• Career Summary: 30-5:6:5
• Prizemoney: $3,446,148
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1600/1800
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 19:3-4-3Soft: 9:1-2-2Heavy: 2:1-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 9th in 2024
• Last Start: 2nd in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 25, beaten 0.1 lengths by Via Sistina carrying 59kg

Cox Plate | Via Sistina

The Valley roars one final time! 🥹🗣️ Via Sistina closes the curtain on an era with a scintillating Cox Plate triumph to win in consecutive years ⭐️

📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/ZynsDwtIyk

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 25, 2025

3. ARAPAHO (FR) – Barrier 15

• Breeding: by LOPE DE VEGA (IRE) from ALZUBRA (GB)
• Age/Gender: 9YO Gelding
• Trainer: Bjorn Baker
• Jockey: Rachel King
• Weight: 56.5kg
• Barrier: 15
• Owners: Bjorn Baker Racing, Mr C E Holt, Mr P W Hickey, Mr D F O’Rourke, Mr G J Sly, Mr G Sly, Mr S A Aspinall, Mr S R Bache, Mr K R Ferrel, Mr J S McDonnell, Mrs A McDonnell, Mr R P Ryan, Mr R C Beames, Mr B M Dowling, Mr M A Karam, Mr J R Taylor, Mrs R A Griffin
• Career Summary: 49-10:6:4
• Prizemoney: $4,141,650
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1300/3200
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 21:2-2-1Soft: 19:6-2-1Heavy: 9:2-2-2Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 11th in 2022
• Last Start: 8th in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on October 29, beaten 6 lengths by Sayedaty Sadaty carrying 61kg

 4. VAUBAN (FR) – Barrier 2

• Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
• Age/Gender: 8YO Gelding
• Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
• Jockey: Blake Shinn
• Weight: 56.5kg
• Barrier: 2
• Owners: Australian Bloodstock, AB Vauban, Horseshoe Investments Pty Ltd, Haloulos Manousopoulos, Mrs S Ricci, Mr D A Hunter, Mr P B Price, Mr A J N Brooks, G & Y Racing, Mr T Needham, Winning Edge Investments, Mr J W Woodbridge, Lawrence Cropley, Huang Maher, Mr N B Whatmore, Mr P I Sweeney, Mr A A Brogan, Hunter Renshaw Racing, G1G, Australian Chinese Jockey Club Racing 11
• Career Summary: 28-9:5:4
• Prizemoney: $2,017,243
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2000/3382 
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 15:3-2-2Soft: 12:6-2-2Heavy: 1:0-1-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 13th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 8.24 lengths by Half Yours carrying 58.5kg
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 14th in 2023, 11th in 2024

 5. CHEVALIER ROSE (JPN) – Barrier 5

• Breeding: by DEEP IMPACT (JPN) from VIANE ROSE (FR)
• Age/Gender: 8YO Horse
• Trainer: Hisashi Shimizu
• Jockey: Damian Lane
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 5
• Owners: Carrot Farm Co. Ltd.
• Career Summary: 35-5:5:2
• Prizemoney: $3,131,173
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1600/3600
• Firm: 4:2-0-0Good: 30:3-5-2Soft: 1:0-0-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 14th in the Group 2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) on August 17, beaten 10.6 lengths by Top Knife carrying 58kg

 6. PRESAGE NOCTURNE (IRE) – Barrier 9

• Breeding: by WOOTTON BASSETT (GB) from KYUREM (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Horse
• Trainer: Alessandro Botti
• Jockey: Stephane Pasquier
• Weight: 55.5kg 
• Barrier: 9
• Owners: Mr P Zambelli, Mr A Khaddam, Mr C Pellegatti, A Botti, Mrs R Khaddam
• Career Summary: 17-5:5:3
• Prizemoney: $782,192
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2500/3000
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 3:0-0-1Soft: 9:3-3-2Heavy: 4:1-2-0Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Last Start: 4th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 1.81 lengths by Half Yours carrying 57.5kg

 7. MIDDLE EARTH (GB) – Barrier 13

• Breeding: by ROARING LION (USA) from ROHERYN (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
• Trainer: Ciaron Maher
• Jockey: Ethan Brown 
• Weight: 54.5kg
• Barrier: 13
• Owners: Madica, Mr M Johnston, Deg Racing, Porter Pelchen Bloodstock, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr A Kheir, Sneesby Racing, No Whip Required, Mr B P Fisher, Mr T A Ginnane, Mr D J House, Mr A S Ingersole, Mr L H Mckenzie, Mr G A McLaren, Mr D J O’Connor, Mr B L Shannon, Mr P A Vawdrey, Mr P G Walsh, Middle Earth, Ciaron Maher Racing
• Career Summary: 17-5:2:2
• Prizemoney: $706,040
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2000/2816
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 13:4-1-2Soft: 3:1-0-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 1:0-1-0
• Last Start: 3rd in the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) at The Valley on October 25, beaten 1.8 lengths by Star Of India carrying 60kg

 8. MEYDAAN (IRE) – Barrier 22

• Breeding: by FRANKEL (GB) from NEZWAAH (GB)
• Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
• Trainers: Simon & Ed Crisford
• Jockey: James McDonald
• Weight: 54kg
• Barrier: 22
• Owners: Sheikh Al Maktoum
• Career Summary: 14-2:2:2
• Prizemoney: $350,072
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2011/2212
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 10:1-1-1Soft: 2:0-1-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 2:1-0-1
• Last Start: 9th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 4.69 lengths by Half Yours carrying 56kg

 9. ABSURDE (FR) – Barrier 4

• Breeding: by FASTNET ROCK from INCROYABLE (USA)
• Age/Gender: 8YO Gelding
• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 4
• Owners: HOS Syndicate
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 7th in 2023, 5th in 2024
• Career Summary: 28-7:7:5
• Prizemoney: $1,570,305
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2000/4023
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 16:5-5-2Soft: 6:1-0-1Heavy: 2:1-0-0 
• Last Start: 7th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 3.17 lengths by Half Yours carrying 55.5kg

 10. FLATTEN THE CURVE (FR) – Barrier 17

• Breeding: by ZARAK (FR) from LAILOMA (FR)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
• Trainer: Henk Grewe
• Jockey: Thore Hammer-Hansen
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 17
• Owners: Mr E Sauren
• Careere Summary: 41-8:9:4
• Prizemoney: $952,074
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2400/3700
• Firm: 1:1-0-0Good: 7:2-2-0Soft: 14:2-3-2Heavy: 8:2-1-1Synthetic: 11:1-3-1
• Last Start: 1st in the Bowling Green Gold Cup (3319m) at Kentucky Downs on August 30, won by 5.5 lengths carrying 57kg

FLATTEN THE CURVE (Fr) ($6.20) is geared down by @ThoreHammer after 2 miles on the @KYDownsRacing turf to win the $1M Bowling Green Gold Cup for trainer Henk Grewe and owner Eckhard Sauren.

💵 Bet Kentucky Downs with @FanDuel Racing.https://t.co/SQAzhp3e9X pic.twitter.com/t9nCbK2eLD

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 30, 2025

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 11. LAND LEGEND (FR) – Barrier 16

• Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE) from LANDIKUSIC (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: Joao Moreira
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 16
• Owners: Legend Racing
• Career Summary: 22-3:2:2
• Prizemoney: $1,349,882
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2050/2600
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 14:2-1-0Soft: 3:0-0-1Heavy: 1:0-0-1Synthetic: 4:1-1-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 8th in 2024
• Last Start: 18th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 18.94 lengths by Half Yours carrying 55.5kg

 12. SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) – Barrier 11

• Breeding: by GHIBELLINES from INFERNO (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 9YO Gelding
• Trainer: Ciaron Maher
• Jockey: Ben Melham
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 11
• Owners: Mr A C Downing, Mr S H H Prenter, J N Ashby, Troyantish, Mr N McFarlane, Mr B P Kelly, Mr T J Kelly, C Wattam, Mr P G Thomson, Mr D R Frampton, Mr M J Clements, Mr H M Brown
• Career Summary: 53-11:9:3
• Prizemoney: $2,392,265
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1500/2600
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 30:5-2-3Soft: 16:3-4-0Heavy: 5:1-3-0Synthetic: 2:2-0-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 7th in 2022
• Last Start: 8th in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24, beaten 4.5 lengths by Onesmoothoperator carrying 56.5kg

 13. CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) – Barrier 24

• Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE) from LADY LARA (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
• Trainer: Kris Lees
• Jockey: Tim Clark
• Weight: 53kg
• Barrier: 24
• Owners: Mr N C Williams, Mr L J Williams, Mr B E G Arnhold, Echo Beach Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr G T Ryan, Mr M Gudinski, Mr M J Symons, Mr V J Sammartino, Jacobsen Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr J F Hardwick, Mr W A McTaggart, Mr D Evans, Mr J A Ingham, Dr B E F Hockings, Mr R H Morrison, Mr B P Goodman, Mr E C Throsby, Mr T J Harry, Mr B N Singer, Mr P Mehrten
• Career Summary: 17-4:3:2
• Prizemoney: $757,850
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2149/2472
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 9:2-2-1Soft: 7:1-1-1Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Last Start: 6th in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23, beaten 3.9 lengths by Torranzino carrying 60kg

 14. HALF YOURS – Barrier 8

• Breeding: by ST JEAN (IRE) from LA GAZELLE
• Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
• Trainers: Tony & Calvin McEvoy
• Jockey: Jamie Melham 
• Weight: 53kg (includes 2kg penalty)
• Barrier: 8
• Owners: Kildalton Park Racing, Mr J B Biasin, Mr D J Canny, Mr G M Fox, Mrs G M Smith, Mr J M Simmons, Mr N B Smith, Mr P R Farley, Mr S M George, Terrace No 3, Mr A Guoga
• Career Summary: 14-7:3:0
• Prizemoney: $3,841,840
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1430/2400
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 8:3-2-0Soft: 5:3-1-0Heavy: 1:1-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 1st in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, won by 0.46 lengths carrying 52.5kg

HALF YOURS AND JAMIE MELHAM – IT'S HISTORY AT CAULFIELD 🏆

The favourite swamps them late to win a remarkable Caulfield Cup! The McEvoy father and son combo have done it as Jamie Melham becomes the first woman to ride the winner of the 2400M Classic 💪 pic.twitter.com/e56lVA3dW5

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 18, 2025

 15. MORE FELONS (IRE) – Barrier 23

• Breeding: by CHURCHILL (IRE) from PIVOTALIA (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: Tommy Berry
• Weight: 53kg
• Barrier: 23
• Owners: Mr R A Pegum, Mr D L MacTaggart, Mr P A Henry, Mr R S Willis, Riverview Turf Club, Ms J V Cleary, Mrs S J McGrath, Mr P M Quirk
• Career Summary: 21-5:3:0
• Prizemoney: $807,746
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1609/3381
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 13:2-1-0Soft: 7:2-2-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 12th in 2023
• Last Start: 4th in the Group 3 St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick on October 18, beaten 1.22 lengths by Travolta carrying 55.5kg

 16. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) – Barrier 6

• Breeding: by DIALED IN (USA) from SUENO D’ORO (USA)
• Age/Gender: 8YO Gelding
• Trainer: Brian Ellison
• Jockey: Harry Coffey
• Weight: 53kg (includes 1kg penalty)
• Barrier: 6
• Owners: Mr P D Boyle, Mr M A Boyle, Mr K L Bamford, Mrs C O Bamford, Miss AM Evans, Mr G W Evans, Mrs E F Cooper, Mr A L Bamford
• Career Summary: 46-6:11:6
• Prizemoney: $1,422,317
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2050/3319
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 15:2-0-3Soft: 3:0-1-0Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 28:4-10-3
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 12th in 2024 
• Last Start: 1st in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24, won by 0.75 lengths carrying 56.5kg

Moonee Valley Gold Cup | Onesmoothoperator

Onesmoothoperator soars down the middle of The Valley straight to reign supreme in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup of 2025 🏆

📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/Zk4bSqzQ98

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 24, 2025

 17. FURTHUR (IRE) – Barrier 7

• Breeding: by WALDGEIST (GB) from DANAMIGHT (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 4YO Horse
• Trainer: Andrew Balding
• Jockey: Michael Dee
• Weight: 52kg
• Barrier: 7
• Owners: The Merry Pranksters & Partner, Mr A Balding, Mr R M Gorell, Race With Lizzie F, Mr M De Witt, Mr P B Price, Any Given Thursday, J’raver
• Career Summary: 8-2:2:0
• Prizemoney: $297,842
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2212/2715
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 5:2-1-0Soft: 2:0-0-0Heavy: 1:0-1-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 6th in the Group 2 St Leger (2921m) at Doncaster on September 13, beaten 4.5 lengths by Scandinavia carrying 58.5kg

 18. PARCHMENT PARTY (USA) – Barrier 3

• Breeding: by CONSTITUTION (USA) from LIFE WELL LIVED (USA)
• Age/Gender: 5YO Horse
• Trainer: William Mott
• Jockey: John Velazquez
• Weight: 52kg
• Barrier: 3
• Owners: Mr J Bernhard
• Career Summary: 11-4:1:1
• Prizemoney: $642,690
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1710/2816
• Firm: 10:3-1-1Good: 0:0-0-0Soft: 0:0-0-0Heavy: 1:1-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 1st in the Listed Birdstone Stakes (2816m) at Saratoga on August 6, won by 1 length carrying 56kg

🏇🏇🏇 Parchment Party wins the Off-Turf Belmont Gold Cup!#BelmontStakes pic.twitter.com/ItIns2dDm3

— Daily Racing Form (@DailyRacingForm) June 6, 2025

 19. ATHABASCAN (FR) – Barrier 1

• Breeding: by ALMANZOR (FR) from ALZUBRA (GB)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Gelding
• Trainers: John O’Shea & Tom Charton
• Jockey: Declan Bates
• Weight: 51.5kg
• Barrier: 1
• Owners: O T I Racing, Mr F W Cook, Mrs C M Cook, Mr L Webb, Ms D McKeown, Mr T Needham, Mr R Menchise, Mr L D Freeman, The French King, Mr A H Goodfellow, Mrs K Milliken, Mr J P Spence, Mrs J T Spence, Mr J M Gurrieri, Mr J C Higgins, Mr M P Hay, Mr D N McRae, Mr R B Gold, Mr M McKelvie
• Career Summary: 39-4:6:4
• Prizemoney: $1,501,702
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2000/2600
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 21:1-4-0Soft: 17:3-2-4Heavy: 1:0-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 2nd in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24, beaten 0.75 lengths by Onesmoothoperator carrying 55kg

 20. GOODIE TWO SHOES (IRE) – Barrier 20

• Breeding: by FASTNET ROCK from FITS LIKE A GLOVE (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Mare
• Trainer: Joesph O’Brien
• Jockey: Wayne Lordan
• Weight: 51.5kg
• Barrier: 20
• Owners: Mr J P McManus
• Career Summary: 18-7:0:5
• Prizemoney: $298,143
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1811/3419
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 7:5-0-1Soft: 11:2-0-4Heavy: 0:0-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 3rd in the Group 2 Lillie Langtry (2816m) at Goodwood on August 2, beaten 5 lengths by Waardah carrying 61kg
  

 21. RIVER OF STARS (IRE) – Barrier 14

• Breeding: by SEA THE STARS (IRE) from AMAZONE (GER)
• Age/Gender: 7YO Mare
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: Beau Mertens
• Weight: 51.5kg
• Barrier: 14
• Owners: Yu Long Investments
• Career Summary: 21-4:6:4
• Prizemoney: $1,543,961
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2414/2896
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 10:3-1-3Soft: 9:0-4-1Heavy: 1:0-1-0Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Last Start: 2nd in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 0.46 lengths by Half Yours carrying 53.5kg

 22. ROYAL SUPREMACY (IRE) – Barrier 21

• Breeding: by MAKE BELIEVE (GB) from ADELASIA (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 5YO Gelding
• Trainer: Ciaron Maher
• Jockey: Robbie Dolan
• Weight: 51kg
• Barrier: 21
• Owners: Australian Bloodstock, Mr S Tsalikidis, Mr C Cortese, Mr N B Whatmore, Murphy Syndicate, Mr T Mitevski, Mr H J Kelly, Mr M Blencowe, Mr R McClure, Sneesby Racing, Cups Quest No. 10, Mr D L Blumberg, Mrs C M Cook, Mr P D Rossdale, Mr J M Simmons, Mr P T Van Der Meer, AB Royal Supremacy, Mr M S Hovey, Fire Up, Mr C Charalambous
• Career Summary: 14-5:3:2
• Prizemoney: $1,142,212
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1408/2400
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 6:2-2-1Soft: 6:1-1-1Heavy: 1:1-0-0Synthetic: 1:1-0-0
• Last Start: 5th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 2.56 lengths by Half Yours carrying 52.5kg

 23. TORRANZINO (NZ) – Barrier 18

• Breeding: by TARZINO (NZ) from GOLDILICIOUS (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
• Trainer: Paul Preusker
• Jockey: Celine Gaudray
• Weight: 51kg
• Barrier: 18
• Owners: Mr P A Preusker, Mr B R Tucker, Mr J R Burke, Mr A J Clayton, Mr D M Drum, I-Race, Mr P A Johnson, Mr H E Lee, Mr L R Follett, Mr J A MacLeod, Mrs N J Okely, Mr K A J Peach, SCT Syndications, Mr M Tobin, Mr G W Tucker, Mr T W Burdett, Mr R J Coventry, Grey Geese, Mr A Newall, LynnBern
• Career Summary: 33-6:7:2
• Prizemoney: $1,094,090
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 1500/2400
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 19:3-4-1Soft: 13:3-3-1Heavy: 1:0-0-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Last Start: 1st in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23, won by 0.5 lengths carrying 56kg

Geelong Cup | Torranzino

He’s Cup-bound! 🏆 The 6YO gelding digs deep to stave off the favourite & book his Melbourne Cup ticket under the urgings of Celine Gaudray for Paul Preusker 🎟️

📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/JnycmHwPCX

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 23, 2025

 24. VALIANT KING (GB) – Barrier 10

• Breeding: by ROARING LION (USA) from ASSEMBLY (USA)
• Age/Gender: 6YO Gelding
• Trainer: Chris Waller
• Jockey: Jye McNeil
• Weight: 51kg
• Barrier: 10
• Owners: Mr A Kheir, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Mr J A O’Neill, YES Bloodstock, Carty Racing, A K Racing, BDTJJ Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold, Solscaf Racing, Mr T R Maddern, Bromfield Park Pty Ltd
• Career Summary: 19-2:3:3
• Prizemoney: $922,632
• Min/Max-Dist-Win: 2011/2520
• Firm: 0:0-0-0Good: 12:1-1-2Soft: 6:1-1-1Heavy: 1:0-1-0Synthetic: 0:0-0-0
• Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 13th in 2024
• Last Start: 3rd in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, beaten 1.46 lengths by Half Yours carrying 52kg

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Looking over the recent Melbourne Cup history, five of the eight champions from 2014-2022 were internationally trained including Cross Counter in 2018 for Godolphin’s Newmarket-based horseman Charlie Appleby and most recently the Joseph O’Brien-trained Irish raider Twilight Payment who led an all-international trifecta.

In 2021 there were officially only two internationals in the Melbourne Cup field with the defending champion Twilight Payment finishing a disappointing 11th with the 58kg top-weight and the Andrew Balding-trained Spanish Mission running third behind locals Verry Elleegant (1st) and Incentivise (2nd).

There were also two internationally trained horses in the 2022 Melbourne Cup field with the James Ferguson-trained Deauville Legend running fourth as the beaten favourite, while Without A Fight finished a disappointing 13th over 20 lengths beaten by the winner Gold Trip.

Doing the form on the Melbourne Cup horses is essential and looking for gallopers proven at the distance can be key. Melbourne Cup horses come into the Group 1 two-mile feature via a host of lead-up races including the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

Gold Trip (9th in 2022) was the last Cox Plate graduate to back-up and win the Melbourne Cup. Gold Trip was also the first horse in five years to run in all of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors also finished a brave second in the 2022 Caulfield Cup results.

The official list and field for the Melbourne Cup is announced on the Saturday before the race after the racing action of Victoria Derby Day. Once the Melbourne Cup horses are confirmed, the Melbourne Cup barrier draw then takes place to determine the starting positions of the hopefuls in the race.

Some of the most famous Melbourne Cup horses include the inaugural winner Archer (1861-62), triple champion Makybe Diva (2003-05), Kingston Rule who set the winning time record in 1990 and Prince Of Penzance (2015) who won at odds of $101!

*All-in 2025 Melbourne Cup odds subject to change. Horses listed are potential Melbourne Cup contenders, not final acceptors, and can be withdrawn at any time. 

This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.