{"id":34030,"date":"2026-11-02T18:40:31","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T05:40:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=34030"},"modified":"2026-11-02T19:13:15","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T06:13:15","slug":"melbourne-cup-scratchings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/11\/melbourne-cup-scratchings\/","title":{"rendered":"Melbourne Cup Scratchings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There have been no scratchings from the Melbourne Cup final field, so the full field of 24 should run on Tuesday at Flemington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scratchings close at 9:30am NZDT Tuesday, and the race has no emergencies, so a scratching leaves the field short of 24 runners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melbourne Cup Scratchings Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All 24 runners are currently in the field as of Monday, November 2. Check out the latest Melbourne Cup field and odds<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1. Sons And Lovers (3)<\/span>
57.5kg<\/span>44512<\/span><\/div>
J: Dylan Browne Mcmonagle<\/span>T: Joseph O’brien<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
19.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
6.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2. Trustyourinstinct (18)<\/span>
57kg<\/span>21214<\/span><\/div>
J: James McDonald<\/span>T: Joseph O’brien<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Form hard to fault. 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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3. Knight’s Choice (2)<\/span>
56.5kg<\/span>x0930<\/span><\/div>
J: Robbie Dolan<\/span>T: J G Symons & S Laxon<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
41.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
11.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4. Middle Earth (1)<\/span>
56.5kg<\/span>87898<\/span><\/div>
J: Mark Zahra<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
17.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
5.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5. Vauban (22)<\/span>
56.5kg<\/span>133×9<\/span><\/div>
J: Jordan Childs<\/span>T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
51.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
13.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6. Enfjaar (8)<\/span>
56kg<\/span>381×3<\/span><\/div>
J: Ray Dawson<\/span>T: Roger Varian<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
23.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
7.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7. Royal Supremacy (21)<\/span>
56kg<\/span>1×910<\/span><\/div>
J: Ben Allen<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
51.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
13.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8. Wine Dark Sea (23)<\/span>
56kg<\/span>151×0<\/span><\/div>
J: Damian Lane<\/span>T: Harry Charlton<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
41.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
11.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
9. Asterix (6)<\/span>
55kg<\/span>x5300<\/span><\/div>
J: Jye Mcneil<\/span>T: Chris Waller<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
61.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
15.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Last start eased back early on 12th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 7 len behind Kingswood with 53.5kg at $61. Before that ran last of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, in the wet; 43 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $71. Has a lot to find on past couple.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
10. Goodie Two Shoes (19)<\/span>
55kg<\/span>x8210<\/span><\/div>
J: Wayne Lordan<\/span>T: Joseph O’brien<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
26.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
7.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
11. Juja Kibo (14)<\/span>
55kg<\/span>x3211<\/span><\/div>
J: Sam Clipperton<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
13.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
4.60<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
12. Hopewell Rock (15)<\/span>
54.5kg<\/span>3612x<\/span><\/div>
J: Zac Lloyd<\/span>T: George Boughey<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
13. Onesmoothoperator (13)<\/span>
54.5kg<\/span>9×090<\/span><\/div>
J: Declan Bates<\/span>T: Tim Fitzsimmons<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
61.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
15.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
14. Soul Of Spain (5)<\/span>
54.5kg<\/span>68378<\/span><\/div>
J: Tommy Berry<\/span>T: Chris Waller<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
26.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
7.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
15. Zahrann (11)<\/span>
54.5kg<\/span>x4106<\/span><\/div>
J: Ben Melham<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
31.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
9.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
16. So You Are (7)<\/span>
54kg<\/span>21111<\/span><\/div>
J: Rachel King<\/span>T: Bjorn Baker<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
11.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
4.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
17. Future History (12)<\/span>
53.5kg<\/span>x3249<\/span><\/div>
J: Jamie Melham<\/span>T: Gregory Hickman<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
51.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
13.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
18. James J Braddock (24)<\/span>
53.5kg<\/span>136×6<\/span><\/div>
J: Craig Williams<\/span>T: Joseph O’brien<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
18.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
6.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
19. Kizlyar (20)<\/span>
53.5kg<\/span>1x2x0<\/span><\/div>
J: Beau Mertens<\/span>T: Joseph O’brien<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
41.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
11.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
20. Point Of Law (9)<\/span>
53kg<\/span>141×1<\/span><\/div>
J: Ethan Brown<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
21. Strictly Business (4)<\/span>
53kg<\/span>2×000<\/span><\/div>
J: Dean Yendall<\/span>T: Thomas Carberry<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
67.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
16.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
22. Mr Monaco (16)<\/span>
52.5kg<\/span>x4013<\/span><\/div>
J: Jabez Johnstone<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
23.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
7.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Recent form sound. 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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
23. Zakouma (10)<\/span>
52kg<\/span>x6650<\/span><\/div>
J: William Pike<\/span>T: Grahame Begg<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
31.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
9.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
24. Shockletz (17)<\/span>
51kg<\/span>64162<\/span><\/div>
J: Harry Coffey<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
10.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.80<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
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.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 02\/11\/2026 08:33:36 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div>
Bet Now<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/section> <\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Horses Withdrawn Before the Final Field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some high-profile thoroughbreds were withdrawn from the 2026 Melbourne Cup, which added some drama to the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horse<\/th>Trainer<\/th>Date Out<\/th>Reason<\/th>Gained a Start<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Saint George<\/td>Ciaron Maher<\/td>Thursday, October 29<\/td>Failed pre-race scans<\/td>So You Are<\/td><\/tr>
Stinger Glass<\/td>Yasuo Tomomichii<\/td>Saturday, October 31<\/td>Failed Racing Victoria pre-race vet screening<\/td>Future History<\/td><\/tr>
Defiantly<\/td>Joseph O\u2019Brien<\/td>Saturday, October 31<\/td>Withdrawn by order of Victorian stewards on vet advice<\/td>Kizlyar<\/td><\/tr>
Aeliana & Birdman<\/td>Chris Waller<\/td>3rd acceptances, Monday, October 26<\/td>No reason given<\/td>test<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Small Fry (Joseph O\u2019Brien) 33rd in Order of Entry ruled unsuitable to accept the same morning.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melbourne Cup odds are available, so bet now on the Melbourne Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n