2026 Melbourne Cup Day Tips & Preview (Flemington) | Tuesday 3 November

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.