2025 Melbourne Cup Horses – Runner-By-Runner Guide for the 2025 Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup (3200m) is Australia’s most famous race and and we take a look at the 2025 Melbourne Cup horse

• 1 AL RIFFA (19) - Joseph O’Brien Mark Zahra 59kg
• 2 BUCKAROO (12) - Chris Waller Craig Williams 57kg
• 3 ARAPAHO (15) - Bjorn Baker Rachel King 56.5kg
• 4 VAUBAN (2) - Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 56.5kg
• 5 CHEVALIER ROSE (5) - Hisashi Shimizu Damian Lane 55.5kg
• 6 PRESAGE NOCTURNE (9) - Alessandro Botti Stephane Pasquier 55.5kg
• 7 MIDDLE EARTH (13) - Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 54.5kg
• 8 MEYDAAN (22) - Simon & Ed Crisford James McDonald 54kg
• 9 ABSURDE (4) - Willie Mullins Kerrin McEvoy 53.5kg
• 10 FLATTEN THE CURVE (17) - Henk Grewe Thore-Hammer Hansen 53kg
• 11 LAND LEGEND (16) - Chris Waller Joao Moreira 53.5kg
• 12 SMOKIN’ ROMANS (11) - Ciaron Maher Ben Melham 53.5kg
• 13 CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD - Kris Lees Tim Clark 53kg
• 14 HALF YOURS (8) - Tony & Calvin McEvoy Jamie Melham 53kg
• 15 MORE FELONS (23) - Chris Waller Tommy Berry 53kg
• 16 ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (6) - Brian Ellison Harry Coffey 53kg
• 17 FURTHER (7) - Andrew Balding Michael Dee 52kg
• 18 PARCHMENT PARTY (3) - William Mott John Velazquez 52kg
• 19 ATHABASCAN (1) John O’Shea & Tom Charlton Declan Bates 51.5kg
• 20 GOODIE TWO SHOES (20) - Joseph O’Brien Wayne Lordan 51.5kg
• 21 RIVER OF STARS (14)- Chris Waller Beau Mertens 51.5kg
• 22 ROYAL SUPREMACY (21) - Ciaron Maher Robbie Dolan 51kg
• 23 TORRANZINO (18) - Paul Preusker Celine Gaudray 51kg
• 24 VALIANT KING (10) - Chris Waller Jye McNeil 51kg

Known as the race that stops the nation, the $8.4 million horse racing event brings together the best of the local and international stayers and has been won by the likes of Phar Lap and Makybe Diva, while recent winners include Gold Trip, Verry Elleegant, Twilight Payment, Vow And Declare and Cross Counter.

Here are the 24 contenders for the 2025 Melbourne Cup to be held at Flemington on Tuesday November 4, 2025. 

1 AL RIFFA (19) - Joseph O’Brien Mark Zahra 59kg

Carries top weight of 59 kg after winning both the Irish St Leger and Curragh Cup in commanding style. Joseph O’Brien knows the formula, having done the same double with Rekindling and Twilight Payment before Cup success. Genuine Group 1 quality and brings form through Rebel’s Romance and other European stars. Mark Zahra rides — chasing a third Cup win — and he’ll give him every chance. Needs to defy history, with no horse carrying 59 kg to win since 1975, but on sheer ability he’s the class runner. If he stays and handles travel, he’s a serious threat.

2 BUCKAROO (12) - Chris Waller Craig Williams 57kg

Runner-up in the Cox Plate behind Via Sistina, the classy import looks perfectly placed to atone for last year’s wide-barrier ninth. Carries 57 kg but brings elite weight-for-age form and is thriving for Chris Waller. Proven at 3200 m and peaking after four runs this prep, he’s the stable’s best hope alongside Valiant King. The big query is whether he can convert consistent Group 1 form into victory under handicap conditions, but his Cox Plate run was outstanding. If he settles closer and gets luck in running, expect him to be charging late. Genuine contender despite the big weight

3 ARAPAHO (15) - Bjorn Baker Rachel King 56.5kg

Tough on-pace stayer who rarely runs a bad race. The Bjorn Baker veteran has been contesting top Australian handicaps and was brave when fifth in the 2023 Sydney Cup over 3200 m. His recent runs have been solid without threatening, and he’ll likely need a win in the Bendigo Cup to squeeze into the final 24. Genuine stayer who handles all conditions and makes his own luck up front, but this year’s Cup looks stronger. Carries 56.5 kg, which won’t help. A gritty competitor who’ll ensure an honest tempo but is likely to find a few too sharp in the straight.

4 VAUBAN (2) - Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 56.5kg

Last year’s beaten favourite returns for another tilt under new training partners Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. The classy chestnut’s European form reads superbly and he’s had the ideal spacing between runs. Ticked over nicely in trackwork and will appreciate firm conditions at Flemington. His 2024 campaign was curtailed but his best still stacks up — a 7.5-length Royal Ascot win two preps ago remains elite. Weighted at 56.5 kg, he’ll roll forward and give a bold sight again. Punters burned once may hesitate, but if he finds rhythm he’s capable of redemption.

5 CHEVALIER ROSE (5) - Hisashi Shimizu Damian Lane 55.5kg

Japan’s lone representative brings depth of experience and genuine stamina, having won the Stayers Cup (3600 m) at Nakayama in 2024. The Deep Impact stallion hasn’t rediscovered that level in recent runs, including seventh in the Tenno Sho (3200 m), but Japanese stayers rarely travel without intent. His grinding style should suit Flemington’s long straight if the track is firm. At his best, his sectionals stack up with international Group 2 stayers. Faces a steep task at eight years of age, but Japanese horses always command respect at this distance. Rough hope if he reproduces his Nakayama form from early 2024.

6 PRESAGE NOCTURNE (9) - Alessandro Botti Stephane Pasquier 55.5kg

French stayer who adds intrigue after finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup on Australian debut, surging home from 13th at the 400 m. He’d earlier placed in the Prix Kergolay, a race that launched Protectionist’s 2014 Cup win. Genuine two-mile profile and expected to improve off that first local run. Carries 55.5 kg but has class on his side, being by Wootton Bassett from the family of 2013 Cup fourth Simenon. If he holds that Caulfield form, he’s right in the finish. One of the better-credentialed Europeans in the mix and a major player.

7 MIDDLE EARTH (13) - Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 54.5kg

Another for the powerful Ciaron Maher yard, the English import has shown glimpses of class in his Australian campaign. Solid effort when midfield in the Caulfield Cup and should appreciate the extra trip. Previously placed behind top European stayers at York and Goodwood, indicating he handles big-field pressure. Carries 54.5 kg, which is workable, and looks the stable’s sneaky lightweight chance. Still relatively unproven at the elite level but keeps improving with each run. Could easily sneak into the top six if he stays the 3200 m. Likely to race handy and give a bold sight before being challenged late.

8 MEYDAAN (22) - Simon & Ed Crisford James McDonald 54kg

The Crisford team return after sending Without A Fight in 2022, and Meydaan looks a sharper, more versatile type. The Frankel gelding was excellent in the Caulfield Cup, covering seven extra metres after being posted wide yet finishing powerfully for ninth. His earlier European form includes a third behind Giavellotto, who ran fourth in the Arc de Triomphe. Lightly raced and open to improvement at 54 kg, he looks a genuine top-ten hope if he stays the trip. Unproven beyond 2800 m, but his closing sectionals suggest he’ll relish Flemington’s long straight and the two-mile test.

9 ABSURDE (4) - Willie Mullins Kerrin McEvoy 53.5kg

Seasoned Irish stayer returning for a third Melbourne Cup attempt and perhaps his best shot yet. Ran seventh in 2023 and fifth last year, both solid efforts with little luck. Willie Mullins changed tactics this time, giving him a local lead-up in the Caulfield Cup where he was crowded but strong late, finishing 7th, 3 lengths from Half Yours. Proven over the trip and thrives on firm ground. Likely to settle midfield and keep grinding home. Hard to see him missing the top 10; whether he can land the big one is another question. Consistent, tough and genuine.

10 FLATTEN THE CURVE (17) - Henk Grewe Thore-Hammer Hansen 53kg

German import prepared by Henk Grewe and relatively unknown to Australian punters. Proven at Group 2 level in Europe and boasts a stout pedigree by Reliable Man. His best run came when second in a 2800 m feature at Cologne earlier this year, finishing powerfully off a genuine tempo. Brings the right staying profile for Flemington and gets in light with 53 kg. Has adapted well in quarantine and should appreciate a dry surface. Hard to gauge the strength of his form lines but Germans have a good Cup record. Knockout hope if he can reproduce his mid-year European form.

11 LAND LEGEND (16) - Chris Waller Joao Moreira 53.5kg

One of five runners for Chris Waller, Land Legend returns after finishing eighth in last year’s Melbourne Cup but hasn’t recaptured that form this spring. The six-year-old showed promise early in his campaign before fading badly in both the Turnbull Stakes (2000 m) and Caulfield Cup (2400 m), beaten out of sight on each occasion. He enters this year’s race well below his 2024 standard, but Waller’s history of producing surprise Cup placegetters — like Sheraz at $151 last year — offers a glimmer of intrigue. With champion jockey Joao Moreira chasing a first Cup win, connections will be hoping for a dramatic turnaround, though he looks tested on current form.

12 SMOKIN’ ROMANS (11) - Ciaron Maher Ben Melham 53.5kg

A familiar face in Australian staying ranks, Smokin’ Romans lines up for another Melbourne Cup tilt under the guidance of Ciaron Maher. The nine-year-old veteran has been a reliable campaigner over the years, including a seventh-place finish behind Gold Trip in the 2022 edition, but age and recent setbacks are against him. He was game when fourth in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400 m) yet pulled up lame after finishing eighth in the Moonee Valley Cup (2500 m). Ben Melham takes the ride while his wife Jamie partners the favourite Half Yours — a quirky subplot on Cup day. Expect him to roll forward and give his usual honest effort, but history isn’t kind to nine-year-olds at Flemington, and he may find the task beyond him.

13 CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD - Kris Lees Tim Clark 53kg

Once among Europe’s most promising three-year-old stayers, he’s now with Kris Lees in Australia. Former Aidan O’Brien runner who mixed it at Group 1 level early in his career before injury setbacks. Recent runs have been moderate, including midfield finishes in Sydney staying races. Carries 53 kg and looks a long shot, though on past form he’s not completely hopeless. Has tactical speed to take a forward position and could stick on for a minor prize if he recaptures some of his early talent. Fitness the key, but he’s yet to convince he’s the same horse.

14 HALF YOURS (8) - Tony & Calvin McEvoy Jamie Melham 53kg

The Caulfield Cup winner is out to complete the famous double after Jamie Melham produced a masterful ride last start. The McEvoy gelding has been superb through the spring and his win showed grit and a turn of foot under pressure. He’s bred and trained in Victoria and continues to thrive in work. Faces 3200 m for the first time but gets in with just 53 kg. If he stays, he’s the one to beat. Only query is the trip — never raced beyond 2400 m — but he looks a genuine, tough stayer in the making and profiles perfectly for the Cup.

15 MORE FELONS (23) - Chris Waller Tommy Berry 53kg

 More Felons, a former English-trained galloper, ran 12th behind Without A Fight in the 2023 Melbourne Cup but has spent much of the time since sidelined through injury. After two quiet runs early this campaign to blow out the cobwebs, he showed sharp improvement when flying home at long odds to finish fourth to Royal Supremacy in the Metropolitan (2400m). He was well supported in the St Leger (2600m) at Randwick next time out but could only manage fourth against weaker opposition than he’ll meet on Tuesday. One of five runners for Chris Waller, More Felons will be partnered by Tommy Berry, who takes his seventh Cup ride, his best effort a fourth aboard Trip To Paris in 2015.

16 ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (6) - Brian Ellison Harry Coffey 53kg

Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner who relished the tighter track to book his place. Last year’s Geelong Cup hero wasn’t suited in the 2024 Melbourne Cup when slow away and trapped wide. The English-based eight-year-old comes in better prepared this time with a strong grounding at 2500 m and genuine staying credentials — he’s a proven 3300 m winner overseas. Handles firm or soft ground and arrives in peak fitness. Needs to prove he’s up to the class of the major but gets weight relief and should see out the trip. Expect him to settle midfield and grind home late.

17 FURTHER (7) - Andrew Balding Michael Dee 52kg

The Andrew Balding-trained import is one of the more lightly raced internationals but brings upside. He was a decisive winner of the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2715 m) at Newbury before stepping up to Group 1 level and finishing midfield in the English St Leger (2921 m). Carries only 52 kg and shapes as a strong staying prospect, bred for distance by Waldgeist out of a Danetime mare. Untested outside Europe but fits the profile of successful British raiders. Will settle back and be running on if the tempo is solid. Each-way claims on potential rather than proven top-class form.

18 PARCHMENT PARTY (3) - William Mott John Velazquez 52kg

The first U.S.-trained runner adds intrigue after destroying rivals by 8.5 lengths in the Belmont Gold Cup (2816 m) and following up in the Birdstone Stakes. The Bill Mott-trained five-year-old has a massive stride and loves long-distance marathons. All wins have been on dirt, but he travels strongly and should enjoy Flemington’s wide expanses. Classy connections — Mott trained Cigar and two Kentucky Derby winners — suggest he won’t be here for a holiday. Hard to line up the form, yet if he adapts to turf he could shock. Distance no issue; surface the only concern.

19 ATHABASCAN (1) John O’Shea & Tom Charlton Declan Bates 51.5kg

Talented import who has shown glimpses of quality since joining John O’Shea. Strong late closer with a powerful finish when tempo suits, as seen in last year’s Sydney Cup when running on for fifth. Well weighted at 51.5 kg and has a genuine staying pedigree. The Australian-bred preparation has been steady, and he’s likely to be peaking at Flemington. Will get back and look for gaps late. Needs everything to fall his way but can easily figure in the minor money with luck in transit. Consistent, reliable and a genuine 3200 m type who rarely disappoints.

20 GOODIE TWO SHOES (20) - Joseph O’Brien Wayne Lordan 51.5kg

The Joseph O’Brien-trained mare adds depth to the international challenge. Still relatively unexposed with just a handful of runs at home, she scored over 2800 m in Ireland in May before running fourth in a Curragh Cup lead-up. Gets in light at 51.5 kg and fits O’Brien’s proven Cup template of lightly raced European mares with upside. Travels kindly and will stay all day, though her closing sectionals suggest she lacks acceleration. Has acclimatised well at Werribee and profiles as an improving four-year-old who could sneak into the placings. Big ask at this stage but an emerging staying type.

21 RIVER OF STARS (14)- Chris Waller Beau Mertens 51.5kg

A major improver in her second Australian prep, the Waller-trained mare was runner-up in the Caulfield Cup after bursting through on the rail behind Half Yours. That followed solid Sydney and French staying form, including a Sydney Cup placing last year. Carries just 51.5 kg and profiles perfectly for 3200 m, boasting stamina and tactical speed. Beau Mertens retains the ride, and if she reproduces that Caulfield finish she’ll be in the mix again. Some query on whether she got all favours last time, but she’s lightly weighted, fit and flying at the right time.

22 ROYAL SUPREMACY (21) - Ciaron Maher Robbie Dolan 51kg

A progressive type from the Maher yard who booked his Cup spot with a solid campaign through the winter. The lightly raced stayer was a winner at Flemington earlier this year and has since measured up well in open company. Drops to 51 kg and gets a dream Cup weight. Robbie Dolan rides and should have him midfield in running. Faces his toughest test by far but is racing with confidence and seems to thrive over longer trips. Still untapped and could run a cheeky race at big odds. Watch for him staying on late down the outside.

23 TORRANZINO (18) - Paul Preusker Celine Gaudray 51kg

The Geelong Cup winner has been a revelation for Paul Preusker, producing a tough staying performance to nail Gilded Water late and earn his golden ticket. Carries just 51 kg and represents the in-form Wimmera stable that prepared Surprise Baby to run fifth in 2019. Celine Gaudray sticks for her first Melbourne Cup ride and the horse looks ready for the test. He’s fit, honest and keeps improving with racing, though he lacks the class of the top Europeans. If the race turns into a grind, his stamina will take him a long way. Definite lightweight place chance.

24 VALIANT KING (10) - Chris Waller Jye McNeil 51kg

The Bart Cummings winner was the best Melbourne Cup trial out of the Caulfield Cup, rattling home in the fastest final 200 m (12.06) when held up badly in the straight. Chris Waller’s import secured his ticket with an emphatic Flemington win over 2500 m and shapes ideally for the two miles. Finished 13th in last year’s Cup but has clearly improved this prep. Lightly weighted and peaking at the right time, he looks one of the strongest locals. Only concern is tempo — he’ll want the race run solidly — but everything points to a much better result this year.