Melbourne Cup

Race Preview

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s greatest race, held on the first Tuesday of November every year. It is referred to the ‘Race That Stops The Nation’ and that’s exactly what it does, with the entire nation coming to a stand still to watch the race. It is a handicap race held over a marathon distance of 3200 metres with a field of 24, with prize money totalling $5.5 million.

The Melbourne Cup combines with the Caulfield Cup to form the Cups Double, with many horses who win (or run well) in the Caulfield Cup, going on to run well in the Melbourne Cup. Other important lead up races include the Mackinnon Stakes (16 winners), Hotham Handicap (5 winners), Sydney Cup (6 winners), The Metropolitan (5 winners) and the Cox Plate (5 winners). Be sure to analyse as they provide a good indication of form leading into the Melbourne Cup.

Spotting Winners

Bart Cummings has won more Melbourne Cups than any other trainer, with his current tally of 12 more than double Lee Freedman on 5. Glenn Boss is the leading jockey with 3 victories, all coming on Makybe Diva. Horses who are 4-year-old (42 wins) and 5-year-old (43wins) have been the most successful age group over the years and are more lilely to win the Cup, while Barrier 11 has produced more wins than any other barrier with seven.

Previous Melbourne Cup Winners