THE race that stops a nation is almost here, and while the draw is set to be confirmed this Saturday, the battle for Melbourne Cup glory is gathering pace.
With $10.2 million in prizemoney on offer, the 3200-metre classic in the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday, promises another fascinating showdown between Australia’s leading stayers and a powerful international contingent determined to take home racing’s most coveted trophy.
French-bred international contender Defiantly has emerged as second favourite ($11), ahead of stablemate Trustyourinstinct ($11) and behind Australian trained hope Point of Law ($7).
The Joseph O’Brien-trained pair headline an imposing international challenge, with O’Brien also preparing James J Braddock, who shares the third line of betting at $11.
O’Brien’s presence is particularly significant, with the Irish trainer knowing exactly what is required to win at Flemington, having become the youngest trainer to claim the Melbourne Cup when Rekindling saluted in 2017.
A familiar name is Knight’s Choice, the remarkable 2024 Melbourne Cup winner who stunned punters at $91.
The John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained stayer is listed at $26 in the market, a reminder that the race’s biggest stories are not always written by the favourites.
And for those searching for a longer-priced contender, Land Legend presents one of the more intriguing stories of the spring.
The Ciaron Maher-trained import was almost sent back to England after a disappointing campaign under former trainer Chris Waller.
Instead, owner Bon Ho persevered, transferring the galloper to Maher, a decision rewarded with a stunning $61 victory in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes.
The revival was enough to convince Ho to pay a $200,000 late-entry fee for the Cox Plate, with Land Legend appearing in Melbourne Cup betting at $51.
While the betting market offers an early indication of the leading chances, history has repeatedly shown that Melbourne Cup glory is not reserved for the favourites.
In 2015, Prince Of Penzance famously stunned the racing world at $101, with Michelle Payne becoming the first female jockey to win the race.
Nine years later, Knight’s Choice produced another enormous upset at $91, proving that reputations and betting prices count for little when the field turns for home.
The favourites have emerged, the challengers are circling and the Cup is almost within reach.
But as generations of punters have discovered, there is only one certainty about the Melbourne Cup – expect the unexpected.
