2026 Melbourne Cup Day Tips & Preview

FUNDED (7) has had two nice jump-outs at Mornington ahead of her debut, leading on each occasion and opening up a big gap to her rivals.  

The daughter to Farnan will look to roll forward and make her presence felt early on the speed, and Ben Melham should have no issue finding the front from a nice low barrier in the Maribyrnong Plate. 

CHISPA (10) has been a tough horse to follow for the last few months, disappointing for a run last start in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes at Caulfield.

The sharp step up to 2000m was a genuine excuse that day alongside the wide gate, but there’s a bit to like about the form coming out of his previous effort when beaten five lengths by Unleeshing.

This is officially D-Day for the Savabeel mare, but with a nice inside gate, James McDonald, and the benefit of a run over 2000m under her belt, she looks a good bounce back bet.

STAR OF MACEDON (2) is tackling 1800m for the first time and looks ready to run a big race third-up. 

The Zoustar colt burst back onto the scene to win his maiden at Kilmore over 1200m, before heading to Caufield a fortnight ago to contest the Gothic Stakes, where he was seen flashing home for sixth with some very tidy late sectionals to his name. 

Blake Shinn has been in the saddle for both rides this prep and he should have a stack of options available from a midfield position. With this colt also boasting some wet track form, he appeals in a very open contest.  

PEYTON (4) should be saved for late coming back in trip. 

Another colt to Zoustar, this talented three-year-old made late ground when thrown in the deep end first-up in Sydney, rattling home late to grab fifth in the Roman Consul to finish 3.6 lengths off Satono Glow.  

He’s mixed it with some talented opponents over the last six months, finishing third behind recent Golden Rose Stakes place-getter Under Focus, followed by a runner-up to St Gotthard in a maiden race at Warwick Farm. 

Zac Lloyd was the man in the saddle for both of those rides, and he should have every opportunity to make his presence felt when it counts from wider out. 

JENNIVAMOOSE (5) could be a major threat if the rain comes. 

It’s been well over a year since she last won a race, but keep in mind she’s been sent around in some tough races over the spring, notably placing behind some Melbourne Cup hopefuls like Saint George and Shockletz early on.  

Ciaron Maher’s mare was tucked away along the rail and never able to shift out last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, forced to settle for fifth in the end despite running on well.  

Coming off three straight runs over 2500m though, she appeals in a big way over longer, providing she can shuffle across early and find cover from another tricky gate.   

DARKBONEE (10) hasn’t done a great deal wrong in two runs back. 

Symon Wilde’s gelding was three-wide the trip first-up in the JRA Cup at Caulfield, before over-racing slightly in the Coongy Cup a few weeks later, where he still ran on well to give a good challenge for second. 

A lot to like about the slight step back to 1800m now off two runs over further, especially with Craig Williams offering an upgrade in the saddle. 

Capable of handling some sting out of the track, he maps to settle midfield and be very dangerous in the finish carrying only 54kg.  

SHOCKLETZ (24) appeals as one of the leading local hopes in the Melbourne Cup, especially for those looking for a horse with proven Flemington form.

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare has won three times at Headquarters, and her runner-up finish over 2040m in the Tesio Stakes was an encouraging lead-in. The big question is whether she can see out 3200m for the first time, but her second-up win in the Group 3 Archer Stakes over 2500m at Flemington offered positive signs about her staying ability.

With just 51kg on her back and Harry Coffey in the saddle, Shockletz looks a tempting contender.

The Hayes boys have opted for the Amanda Elliott with RANARSSON (5) over Saturday’s Carbine Club Stakes on Derby Day.  

The son to Ole Kirk was smashed in Futures betting before accepting and is likely to start short odds on Tuesday with two breathtaking wins at Cranbourne to his name so far. 

Ben Melham gave him a peach of a ride three weeks ago, finding a stalking position before opening up a three-length gap into the straight, which he held all the way to the line. 

This is obviously the sternest test he’s faced, but with 4.5kg off in the saddle and the wide barrier likely forcing the pair forward again, they’ll be incredibly hard to catch.  

SO YOU PENCE (7) is poised to strike up in trip for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes.

The So You Think mare resumed in The Kosciuszko at Randwick two weeks ago where she clearly needed the run, but in saying that she did make up some nice late ground to finish third and only a length off Chains Of Love. 

A lightly-raced seven-year-old, we saw her open up a big margin the start prior at Randwick in late July to storm two lengths clear, and keep in mind she’s only made the two starts over the last 12 months. 

With big improvement to come, plus a stack of serious wet track form, she only runs well with the barrier offering Berry every chance to find a stalking position.  

BUCCLEUCH (1) is coming off another big run at Caulfield a few weeks ago, letting down with a stunning turn of foot down the outside to go three-quarters of a length clear.

He’s still carrying top weight but is drawn for a much cozier run in transit after being caught three-wide last time out.

Capable of handling all conditions, his only miss came in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes two back where the wide alley got the better of him.

With Billy Egan sticking in the saddle though to match an impeccable record here at Flemington, he rates the one to beat.