The race that stops the nation is almost here and for some, it’s a day all about fashion; for others, it’s a day to have a punt. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just looking to make a one-off bet, it’s time to start your Melbourne Cup favourites research for 2024.
We all have that one friend who becomes a horse racing expert on Melbourne Cup day, be it by self-nomination or by the fact they tipped a winner once. However, if you’re looking for further guidance to help you cram years of horse racing information into a couple of days, hours, or even mere minutes, we’ve worked the tracks to bring your our Melbourne Cup 2024 favourites.
Spoiler alert: the Melbourne Cup is one of the hardest races to pick a winner, so please gamble responsibly.
Melbourne Cup Favourites
Who will win the Melbourne Cup in 2024? Looking at the field for the 2024 Melbourne Cup, we have outlined five standouts that are likely to win the Melbourne Cup.
Vauban
Odds: $6.50
Barrier: 11 / Number: 1
Was a short favourite for the Melbourne Cup last year but did not show up (14th). Vauban is better prepared for this trip even though he hasn’t come over for a race prior to the Cup. In a weaker field this year he will be looking to improve and should be the favourite going into the race.
Buckaroo
Odds: $7.50
Barrier: 21 / Number: 2
If the cup was won just based on recent form then we would award the race to Buckaroo, recording first or second in the last 4 starts including second at the Caufield Cup — while finishing very strong. The only issue here is the barrier draw so look for him to fly home, it might just depend from how far back.
Absurde
Odds: $9.00
Barrier: 7 / Number: 9
Distance will not be a problem for Absurde with a good record over 3000m, finished 7th last year and with a weaker field will be looking to improve. Not one to leave out of any exotics and also one of our bets for on the nose.
One Smooth Operator
Odds: $9.00
Barrier: 12 / Number: 13
Won the Geelong Cup and has drawn barrier 4 so a lot is looking good for this horse except for the recent run at Caufield Cup.
Distance may be the issue that holds him up but should be leading early on.
Okita Soushi
Odds: $12.00
Barrier: 10 / Number: 12
Came 11th last year but recently beat Sharp n Smart to win the Mooney Valley Cup (2,500m). I would expect him to do better than last year where he was 21st on the final turn and finished very strongly.
Past Melbourne Cup Winners
Dating back to 2010, there have been some surprise winners in the Melbourne Cup, from the $101.00 Prince Of Penzance in 2015 to the most recent $7.00 Without A Fight.
- 2023 — Without A Fight: $7.00
- 2022 — Gold Trip: $21.00
- 2021 — Verry Ellegant: $18.00
- 2020 — Twilight Payment: $23.00
- 2019 — Vow And Declare: $11.00
- 2018 — Cross Counter: $9.50
- 2017 — Rekindling: $15.00
- 2016 — Almandin: $11.00
- 2015 — Prince Of Penzance: $101.00
- 2014 — Protectionist: $8.00
- 2013 — Fiorente: $7.00
- 2012 — Green Moon: $20.00
- 2011 — Dunaden: $21.00
- 2010 — Americain: $13.00
Melbourne Cup 2024 Date And Race Time
The Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, November 5th. The race time is 3:00 pm (EDST) or 12:00 pm Perth time and is Race 7 on the Flemington card.
Melbourne Cup Weather Forecast
Race day is currently predicted to be perfect race conditions — Sunny with light winds becoming NW/NE 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
Min 10 | Max 26
Gamble responsibly. Chances are you’re about to lose.
