The Melbourne Cup Preview

By Scott Bailey

The first Tuesday in November once again brings the world to Flemington, where the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup — the race that will stop a nation — is set to captivate an international audience. The build-up to the 2025 edition is already generating global buzz, with storylines stretching from Europe to Asia and, for the first time, even the United States.

The strong overseas representation continues a trend that has defined the modern Melbourne Cup: representatives from Australia, Europe, Asia and for the first time a United States-trained runner.
Australia’s own hopes are far from overshadowed. Half Yours, the Caulfield Cup winner, has emerged as the home-grown benchmark, while Buckaroo, runner-up in the Cox Plate, has trainer Chris Waller quietly confident of another major triumph.
Waller, who guided Verry Elegant to Cup glory in 2021, is well aware of the challenge that lies beyond 3200 metres — especially for horses yet to prove themselves at the distance. “You don’t win the Melbourne Cup unless you truly stay,” he noted this week, hinting that tactical control, not just stamina, may decide this year’s result.

Form lines have proven tight across the spring, with several staying prospects peaking at the right time and a few key chances dropping out due to injury and scans that made the vets cautious. The depth in both local and imported ranks suggests a classic edition in the making — one where tempo, barrier draws and Flemington’s long straight could again script an unforgettable finish.

The official draw has landed, and favours have fallen nicely for the leading chances. Half Yours drew barrier 8, which is considered a very favourable gate in a 24‐horse field. Other major chances such as Presage Nocturne (barrier 9) and Valiant King (barrier 10) also secured workable gates, giving their connections cause for further confidence. On the flip side, the leading international hope Al Riffa has drawn barrier 19, which may present more of a tactical challenge considering the wide gate in the early run but has a two-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey in Mark Zahra to steer.

Melbourne is bracing for less-than-ideal conditions for Cup Day. Forecasts show that heavy showers are likely to fall in the lead-up to the race, with approximately 20–40 mm of rain expected on Monday, and further rain on Tuesday (Cup Day) which could push the track into Soft or even Heavy territory. The Bureau of Meteorology has flagged a 25 per cent chance of up to 20 mm on Tuesday itself. Course manager insight: The track at Flemington is described as “a great draining track” but heavy rainfall will still influence draw bias, ground-loss and how the field settles.

The Melbourne Cup isn’t only a test of staying power; it’s an international spectacle that delivers a national economic impact exceeding A$1 billion annually. It draws owners, tourists, and punters from every corner of the racing world.

As the barriers crash back at Flemington on Tuesday, the Melbourne Cup will once again stand as more than just a race. It’s a reflection of how important this great race is to the public and race fans around the world.

Whether it’s a stayer bred in Europe, a trainer from Japan, a first-time American runner or fans following from Singapore and Hong Kong, the magic of the Cup remains the same.

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