Melbourne Cup: Main contenders, odds and a free 14/1 tip for Australia’s premier race

Australia’s most famous race is undeniably the Melbourne Cup and it takes places at Flemington in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The controversial scratching of Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Brueghel has blown the 2024 renewal wide open. With that in mind, we’ve had a look at the main contenders and selected a free tip at 14/1. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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4.00 (am) Flemington

2. Buckaroo (21)

Previously trained by Joseph O’Brien in Ireland, Chris Waller’s five-year-old was runner-up in the Caufield Cup when last seen and should be in the mix if staying the trip.

Buckaroo

Analysis

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1. Vauban (11)

This horse has loads of ability both on the Flat and over jumps. Willie Mullins’ gelding was a little disappointing here last year but could go close if putting that behind him.

Vauban

Analysis

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13. Onesmoothoperator (12)

Confirmed stayer Onesmoothoperator represents the Brian Ellison yard and the form of his victory at Geelong last month puts him right in this.

Onesmoothoperator

Analysis

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9. Absurde (7)

Willie Mullins’ other representative has won the Ebor and the County Hurdle double but has a bit to find on last year’s performance.

Absurde

Analysis

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14. Zardozi (4)

There are no guarantees that James Cummings’ filly will get the trip here and recent form suggests it would be difficult for her to win this.

Zardozi

Analysis

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8. Land Legend (18)

He’s closely matched with Zardozi on the form of his narrow success over that rival at Randwick but there’s more chance that Land Legend will see out the two-mile trip.

Land Legend

Analysis

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15. Sea King (1)

Harry Eustace’s five-year-old won easily at Bendigo on his first start for this yard and having won over as far as 1m5f, the trip should be fine.

Sea King

Analysis

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12. Okita Soushi (10)

Ciaron Maher has done a good job with this horse and his success at Moonee Valley last time out suggests he has every chance.

Okita Soushi

Analysis

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Free tip

Okita Soushi (14/1, William Hill) wasn’t disgraced in this race last year and may not have been fully acclimatised. Now that the six-year-old is based in Australia that won’t be an issue and his last couple of runs indicate that he may be peaking at the right time here. It would be no surprise to see him run a big race.

Okita Soushi

Analysis

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