The Melbourne Cup headlines Flemington’s 10-race program on Tuesday, with the Group 1 staying feature the highlight of the day.
The Group 3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate and Group 3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes also feature on the card.
Showers are forecast, so the track conditions will be worth monitoring. Our race analysis considers the key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities across all 10 races.
Here’s our assessment of the Flemington card.
ROYAL PRESS (1) brings useful race experience into this two-year-old contest, where it can make a significant difference.
The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained colt won both jump-outs before heading to Caulfield for the Listed Debutant Stakes.
He showed good speed to lead, but had pressure throughout and was caught right on the line, going down by a nose.
He should take plenty from that run and has drawn to get a great trip.
| 1. Royal Press (9) 58kg2 |
JOHNICH (7) has put together a strong preparation and looks ready to reach his peak.
The Jason Warren-trained gelding began with a win at Geelong, then closed off well from the second half of the field to finish 1.5 lengths third at Mornington.
He took another step at Caulfield last start over this distance. Harry Coffey gave him an excellent ride, moving three-wide to sit outside the lead before the turn. Johnich responded well in the straight, winning by a neck and beating several rivals he meets again here.
The son of Dundeel is well suited by the distance. The draw is a little awkward, but Coffey should be able to work forward and find a prominent spot.
| 7. Johnich (14) 60kg5×131 |
STAR OF MACEDON (2) did a good job to finish fifth in the Listed Gothic Stakes last start, with the track pattern not playing to his strengths.
The Symons & Laxon-trained colt settled well back before making ground down the outside to finish 2.05 lengths from the winner.
His run two starts ago was also strong. He broke his maiden at Kilmore after covering ground three-wide throughout.
The spacious Flemington circuit and extra distance look suitable.
| 2. Star Of Macedon (5) 57kg32×16 |
SPLENDACIOUS (6) impressed when winning on debut over 1000m at Cranbourne.
The Scott Cameron-trained gelding set a solid speed in front before driving clear late when challenged to win by a length in good time.
He’ll be better for the experience and will strip fitter second-up.
Damian Lane retains the ride and will race on speed.
| 6. Splendacious (10) 57kg1 |
TEMPESTI (4) made a strong return from a two-month break in the Group 3 St Leger Stakes at Randwick, his first start for new trainer Gavin Bedggood.
The eight-year-old gelding fought on well behind So You Are to finish just under a length second.
That form reads well, with So You Are now the winner of four consecutive races, including last Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup, and a leading player in the Melbourne Cup later in the day.
Tempesti should be fitter for the run and is suited by the step up in distance. He was beaten by just a neck in the Deane Lester Flemington Cup over this course and distance four starts ago.
| 4. Tempesti (5) 59.5kg03632 |
ST LAWRENCE (5) has been in excellent form and is looking to make it three wins in a row.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding returns from South Australia after saving ground on the turn and narrowly holding on to win the Murray Bridge Cup.
He impressed over 1700m here two starts ago. Despite a wide barrier, he quickly found a handy position before driving clear in the straight to win by two lengths.
James McDonald has been booked for the ride, which is a notable booking.
| 5. St Lawrence (7) 56kg56211 | |||
| Racing well recently. Comes off a 31 day let-up. Most recently favourite; ran on from midfield and won by a nose in the LR Murray Bridge Gold Cup on October 3 over 1600m in soft going defeating Sir Kingsford carrying 57.5kg at $3.80. Before that favourite; won by 2 len in a Hcp at this track on September 12 over 1700m defeating Ziryab with 54kg at $21. Flying, should go close again with McDonald booked. | |||
POINT OF LAW (20) has me thinking of Media Puzzle in 2002 and Americain in 2010. Both won the Geelong Cup before going on to take out the Group 1 Melbourne Cup, and Point Of Law can follow suit.
He is a lightly raced stayer who has displayed plenty of talent in the United Kingdom. His first start for Ciaron Maher was particularly impressive.
The son of Frankel crossed from the outside barrier to take a position on a hot speed in the Geelong Cup. The leader, The Euphrates, capitulated, but Point Of Law kept going to win by half a length.
Formerly owned by King Charles III, he broke his maiden at Newbury four starts ago. He then made up ground from the back of the field to finish 1.6 lengths fourth in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.
His final start before coming to Australia further highlighted his ability. He proved too strong over 2615m to win the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket.
Maher used those races to identify current Group 1-winning stable stars Birdman and Royal Supremacy. Birdman finished third in the Queen’s Vase, while Royal Supremacy ran second in the Bahrain Trophy.
He received a 2kg penalty for winning at Geelong but will still carry just 53kg, with Ethan Brown in the saddle.
It takes a leap of faith to back a horse having just his sixth start, but Point Of Law gives the impression he has something special.
| 20. Point Of Law (9) 53kg141×1 | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months won by 0.5 len in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m defeating Small Fry carrying 55kg at $6. Previously second-up won by 1.3 len in a 3yo Mdn Sw at Newbury on May 15 over 2011m defeating Hatteen with 60.5kg at $1.60. Impossible to knock and looks the one again. Huge win at local debut in fast time, lightly raced and if he brings that form he’ll go close again. | |||
RANARSSON (5) has made an ideal start to his career, winning his first two races.
The Team Hayes-trained colt opened his account over 1200m at Cranbourne. He led before putting the race away with a 4.75-length victory.
He stepped up to this distance last start and delivered another dominant front-running win, scoring by 3.25 lengths.
This is a much tougher assignment, but he has looked a quality prospect so far and carries just 54.5kg.
| 5. Ranarsson (6) 54kg11 | |||
| Looking to keep his unbeaten record intact. On debut, favourite; scored a big 5 len win in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Cranbourne on September 25 over 1200m defeating Kotahitanga with 58kg at $11. Last start favourite; won by 3.5 len in a Bm62 at Cranbourne on October 16 over 1400m defeating The Volta carrying 58.5kg at $1.50. Been dominant in both starts in fast time, suspect he might be very good. | |||
SHADHAVAR (2) has seven wins from 18 starts and appears very well treated under the set-weight conditions.
The Tom Dabernig-trained mare comes into the race after a commanding Caulfield win over 1400m, putting 2.7 lengths on her rivals.
She is fully fit and has won her only previous fifth-up start, which came over this distance at Caulfield just over a year ago.
Flemington is an unknown, as she has never raced here. However, she handles all conditions and should be able to make her own luck from a good draw.
Craig Williams knows her well and should give her a strong chance.
| 2. Shadhavar (2) 58kgx1421 | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently won by 2.75 len in the G2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield on October 17 over 1400m defeating Terilee carrying 56kg at $3.60. Before that 2nd of 13 in a Hcp at Murray Bridge on October 3 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind The Stalker with 59.5kg at $4. Dominant latest and will be very hard to catch again. | |||
BUCCLEUCH (1) boasts a strong winning record, with six victories from 11 starts.
The Patrick Payne-trained gelding won his first two runs this preparation. His wide third-up effort can be forgiven.
He bounced back last start over 1400m at Caulfield, coming from behind to win with something in reserve.
There looks to be solid speed, which should allow Billy Egan to settle just off the pace.
| 1. Buccleuch (4) 60.5kgx1171 | |||
| Last start ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len in a Bm84 at Caulfield on October 14 over 1440m defeating Fiorenot with 61kg at $3.90. The race before that 7th of 9 in the LR Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1440m, 2.5 len behind Regal Zeus carrying 57kg at $2.30. Flying and finds another ideal race. | |||
Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds
| 1. Sons And Lovers (3) 57.5kg44512 | |||
| Comes here off a 52-day let-up. Last start 2nd of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 2.25 len behind Arabian Crown with 63.5kg at $15. The race before that won by a head in the G2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil at Longchamp on July 14 over 2800m defeating Parachutiste carrying 59kg at $2.60. Top weight but brings classy international form and should go very well. | |||
| 2. Trustyourinstinct (18) 57kg21214 | |||
| Comes off a 51 day let-up. Last start 4th of 7 in the G1 Irish St Leger Stakes at Curragh on September 13 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Scandinavia carrying 61.5kg at $7.50. Before that won by 0.8 len in the G2 Curragh Cup on July 19 over 2816m defeating Happy Pharoah carrying 62kg at $7.50. Brings a lovely profile and strong international form, and the man in the saddle goes okay too. | |||
| 3. Knight’s Choice (2) 56.5kgx0930 | |||
| Most recently eased back early on 14th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 10 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $31. Before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, head behind Pinhole with 56kg at $7. Shock winner of 2024 Cup with more weight this time, hard to see him repeating the dose. | |||
| 4. Middle Earth (1) 56.5kg87898 | |||
| At the latest run eased back early on 8th of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 7 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $71. The race before that 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $61. Ticking along as well as he was last year and has claims. | |||
| 5. Vauban (22) 56.5kg133×9 | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 9th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 6 len behind Point Of Law carrying 60.5kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 8 in the G1 He Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on March 28 over 2400m, slow going 5 len behind Aeliana carrying 59kg at $7. Fourth crack at the Cup, only second up here and 3200m remains a worry. | |||
| 6. Enfjaar (8) 56kg381×3 | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months held ground to the line 3rd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.0 len behind Kingswood carrying 54.5kg at $12. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the LR Wolferton Stakes at Ascot on June 16 over 2011m, 5 len behind Map Of Stars carrying 59.5kg at $13. Very game first up, not sure he wants 3200m though. | |||
| 7. Royal Supremacy (21) 56kg1×910 | |||
| Last start 15th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 17 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $13. The run before that won by 0.8 len in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m defeating Future History with 60kg at $4.80. Had some excuses last time but 3200m is a worry. | |||
| 8. Wine Dark Sea (23) 56kg151×0 | |||
| Second run back. First-up after two months raced on the pace before fading 11th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 6 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $8. Previously second-up won by 13 len in a Rating 85 at Carlisle on June 24 over 2212m defeating Golden West carrying 64kg at $1.80. Up in trip should suit but needed to see more last time. | |||
| 10. Goodie Two Shoes (19) 55kgx8210 | |||
| Returns from a 52-day let-up. Most recently ran last of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 9 len behind Arabian Crown with 62kg at $34. The run before that ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by a nose in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on August 1 over 2816m defeating Santorini Star carrying 61kg at $9. Ran very well in this last year, more weight now, place probably best again. | |||
| 11. Juja Kibo (14) 55kgx3211 | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run won by 0.5 len in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m defeating Kings Valley carrying 58kg at $7.50. Before that ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m in soft going defeating Aethelwulf with 56.5kg at $5.50. Flying off moderate tempos, if he can convert that to two miles he’ll run well. | |||
| 12. Hopewell Rock (15) 54.5kg3612x | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation second of 22 at York Ebor Handicap August 22 over 2816m, a head behind Daiquiri Bay with 60.5kg at $7.50. Previously first up; third of 8 at Newmarket (Rowley) May 2 over 2414m, 1.75 len behind Daiquiri Bay carrying 61kg at $5.50. Progressive stayer with the right form lines, looks a strong winning chance. | |||
| 13. Onesmoothoperator (13) 54.5kg9×090 | |||
| At the latest run 11th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 9 len behind Point Of Law carrying 57kg at $21. Before that got back early 9th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Pinhole with 58kg at $26. Not going nearly well enough. | |||
| 14. Soul Of Spain (5) 54.5kg68378 | |||
| At the latest run 8th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53kg at $61. The start before that 7th of 9 in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Juja Kibo with 58.5kg at $7.50. Had some excuses latest but this looks too tough. | |||
| 15. Zahrann (11) 54.5kgx4106 | |||
| Last start 6th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4 len behind Kingswood with 53kg at $7.50. Before that 11th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 18 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $12. Worked home quite well last time but the 3200m is an unknown. | |||
| 16. So You Are (7) 54kg21111 | |||
| On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.8 len in the G3 Bendigo Cup on October 28 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.9 len in the G3 Atc St Leger Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 2600m in soft going defeating Tempesti with 57.5kg at $3.30. Other form potentially stronger but he’s flying, not the worst. | |||
| 17. Future History (12) 53.5kgx3249 | |||
| At the latest run 9th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Juja Kibo with 57kg at $26. The start before that 4th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2 len behind Pinhole with 57kg at $7. Going along okay but this is too tough. | |||
| 18. James J Braddock (24) 53.5kg136×6 | |||
| Second run back. Comes off a 52-day let-up. First-up after three months 6th of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 4 len behind Arabian Crown carrying 59kg at $13. Previously second-up won by a nose in the G3 Leopardstown Derby Trial on May 10 over 2011m defeating Pierre Bonnard with 59.5kg at $10. Epsom Derby placegetter but form since has been mixed, inclined to risk. | |||
| 19. Kizlyar (20) 53.5kg1x2x0 | |||
| Second-up today. Last run raced on the speed throughout before fading 11th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 4 len behind Juja Kibo with 56kg at $3.80. At only start last preparation 2nd in a small field in the G3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes at Curragh on August 22 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Queenstown with 61kg at $4.30. Went way too slow at Aus debut, could be a knockout hope up in trip. | |||
| 20. Point Of Law (9) 53kg141×1 | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months won by 0.5 len in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m defeating Small Fry carrying 55kg at $6. Previously second-up won by 1.3 len in a 3yo Mdn Sw at Newbury on May 15 over 2011m defeating Hatteen with 60.5kg at $1.60. Impossible to knock and looks the one again. Huge win at local debut in fast time, lightly raced and if he brings that form he’ll go close again. | |||
| 21. Strictly Business (4) 53kg2×000 | |||
| Most recently ran last of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 14 len behind Juja Kibo with 55kg at $81. The race before that ran second last of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 10 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $71. Not going nearly well enough. | |||
| 22. Mr Monaco (16) 52.5kgx4013 | |||
| Most recently ran on from midfield; 3rd of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 0.8 len behind Juja Kibo carrying 57.5kg at $16. The start before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 1.3 len in a G3 The Bart Cummings at this track on October 3 over 2520m in the wet defeating Litzdeel carrying 54kg at $8. Past two have been good, should run well for wider exotics. | |||
| 23. Zakouma (10) 52kgx6650 | |||
| Most recently ran last of 11 in the G2 Crystal Mile at this track on October 24 over 1600m, 8 len behind Surfin’ Bird with 57.5kg at $26. The run before that 5th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.5 len behind Pinhole carrying 57kg at $7. Ignore last week when sharply back in trip, he was building nicely prior. | |||
| 24. Shockletz (17) 51kg64162 | |||
| At the latest run 2nd of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.5 len behind Soverato with 58kg at $7.50. Before that 6th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.75 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $6. Past two have been excellent Cup trials and now up in trip with no weight, look out. | |||
| 9. Asterix (6)SCRATCHED: | |||