Here we are, spring is fully here, the air is warm and thick with the scent of Flemington roses. The first Tuesday of November has arrived, which means it’s time to run the Melbourne Cup over the famous 3200 metres.

We’ve got all the details you need to pick the winner of the big contest.

TAB fixed rates are correct as of 20:00 AEDT on 3 November 2024 (please visit: tab.com.au for the newest).

6 dollars Format: 11x0x24312
Career Winning Percentage: 40 Place%: 75

It’s the first start for a new coach after a seven-week spell. Get out of a good barrier quickly so it should be completely clear of any early trouble. The last win was at York over two starts. It could be one of the contestants.

$6.50 Format: 5356×81122
Career Winning Percentage: 23 Place%: 55

He finished a strong second in the Caulfield Cup on a soft track. He has two wins from five starts in these preparations and the addition of the magic man Joao Moreira to the squad will be among the chances.

41 dollars Format: 3x4411x890
Career Winning Percentage: 23 Place%: 54

He’s jumping over a strange barrier, having struggled with this preparation so far. I finished 10th last start in the Caulfield Cup but will appreciate the extra distance here. I won’t be carrying my money, which is an advantage he has.

$26 Format: x414x325x0
Career Winning Percentage: 17 Place%: 48

He was well beaten in the Caulfield Cup on his last start after a six-month spell. This will be better for running, it prefers dry ground and has nice traction for that. To win, it will be necessary to turn things around.

21 dollars Format: 95365×3426
Career Winning Percentage: 25 Place%: 50

Facilitated a comeback to finish 6th last start in the Cox Plate. He has proven ability over longer distances, so stepping up would be appropriate. It will come as no surprise that it is considered a place finish for your exotics.

$61 Format: x3669x0203
Career Winning Percentage: 27 Place%: 59

He showed great improvement in his last start, finishing third in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in the 2500m. He’ll need to improve again if he wants to have a chance here.

$51 Format: 0x85x05010
Career Winning Percentage: 28 Place%: 40

On his last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup he placed first in the 2500m but weakened badly to finish last. He could be one of the front-runners here again but is unlikely to collect any trophies.

17 dollars Format: 755x1x0613
Career Winning Percentage: 23 Place%: 46

He managed to finish third in his last Caulfield Cup start after winning the race before 2400m at Randwick. I will appreciate Flemington’s wide open fields and extra distance and a win here would not be a surprise.

$9 Format: 1x7F41x41x
Career Winning Percentage: 29 Place%: 67

My first run for a new trainer in a long time. He performed well in last year’s Melbourne Cup and has prepared similarly this time around.

10. ATHABASCAN (FR) – TAB Rates: $51 Format: x6442x8001
Career Winning Percentage: 14 Place%: 41

Last start won the St Leger race over 2600 meters at Randwick. Definitely not one of the worst starts and he jumps off a nice gate.

11. KNIGHT’S CHOICE – TAB Odds: 151 dollars Format: 24234×9005
Career Winning Percentage: 23 Place%: 45

He finished fifth on his last Bendigo Cup start, five lengths behind Sea King. Before this he was well back to the finish of the Caulfield Cup. One for Newcastle fans, let’s hope he’s at the front of the pack.

$14 Format: 13x00x8021
Career Winning Percentage: 28 Place%: 61

In his last start he won the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in the 2500m. It should race quickly and is among the main chances. Jockey Jamie Kah is returning to his best form.

8 dollars Format: 42882×1741
Career Winning Percentage: 13 Place%: 55

He won the last start of the Geelong Cup, which has always proven to be a strong indicator for this race. I will be making some of my hard-earned money from this business alongside one of the best jockeys in the world, Craig Williams. One for Sade fans.

15 dollars Format: 132×665245
Career Winning Percentage: 32 Place%: 53

A quick three-day backup after finishing fifth on Empire Rose over 1600 meters on Derby Day. Before that he had a good performance in the Caulfield Cup, finishing fourth. He has previously won twice at Flemington and carried the flag for Godolphin this year.

$9.50 Format: 4x110136x1
Career Winning Percentage: 35 Place%: 50

On his last start he won the Bendigo Cup over 2400 metres, his first after a spell. If he is fit and can get over 3200 meters he could be a real threat. A marine helicopter fan.

$126 Format: 212256×009
Career Winning Percentage: 9 Place%: 45

He has struggled so far in these preparations and finished ninth in his last Caulfield Cup start. He has a poor barrier for the Cup and is unlikely to trouble the better horses. One for all the old Chrysler fans out there.

$126 Format: x58610x536
Career Winning Percentage: 19 Place%: 52

He finished 10 lengths behind the Caulfield Cup winner in the final start on soft track. When running, he won’t be too far away and will have the speed to get over a bad obstacle. But I don’t think much of his chances.

21 dollars Format: 916×000862
Career Winning Percentage: 17 Place%: 35

He came second in the 2400 m at the last start in the Geelong Cup. He’s been performing well in recent starts and could be poised to surprise in this regard.

19. MANZOICE – TAB Odds: $126 Format: 88520×2307
Career Winning Percentage: 10 Place%: 33

He finished four lengths behind in the final start of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. He has won twice in his 21-race career and will have a real chance of claiming the prize of finishing last in the office standings.

$81 Format: x23622x440
Career Winning Percentage: 24 Place%: 52

He did nothing to affect the final start, with Flemington finishing second from last over 2520 metres. He has had 31 days and will wear the glasses again. One for those who love Melbourne’s weather.

$126 Format: 81291×2178
Career Winning Percentage: 33 Place%: 50

He finished eighth on the last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and won three laps back at Caulfield. The wide barrier is as concerning as the ability to run 3200m.

$23 Format: 31123×8495
Career Winning Percentage: 20 Place%: 50

He ran strongly to finish midfield in the final start over 2500m in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. Not without hope for extra mileage. One for Dragons fans and hopefully it won’t be this disappointing.

$51 Format: 12211×9056
Career Winning Percentage: 28 Place%: 47

He loves Flemington, even though he’s been struggling to stay fit lately. In his last start, he finished sixth in the Geelong Cup over 2400 metres. He needs to go the distance but lacks the class to win it. One for Dora the Explorer fans.

– TAB Rates: 151 dollars Format: 1626×63044
Career Winning Percentage: 13 Place%: 33

In Randwick’s last start, in the St Leger, he finished fourth over 2600m. He has four wins in his 30-start career, none of which have any recent remembrance. He may battle Manzoice for the last place award in the office sweep.