Melbourne cup 2025
1 Al Riffa Class act, but carrying top-weight (59kg) – that’s like running with a backpack in a sprint.
2 Buckaroo Stablemate of Valiant King, coming into form – could pay dividends if everything aligns
3 Arapaho Long odds type – big trip, big ask, might just enjoy the ride more than win it.
4 Vauban Improving kid, could surprise at value – you’ll feel clever if you pick him.
5 Chevalier Rose Japanese raider, exotic pick – long odds, long trip, hail-Mary option.
6 Presage Nocturne European contender, interesting form – tricky to know how he handles Flemington.
7 Middle Earth Name conjures Tolkien – up the mountain of 3200m will be his quest.
8 Meydaan Another European entry – improvement shown, but class of the field? Still a question.
9 Absurde Jumps trainer’s hope on the flat – distance suits, but is he built for it?
10 Flatten The Curve Fun name, foreign traveller – you’ll remember the name even if he doesn’t win
11 Land Legend Under-the-radar Waller runner – maybe value, maybe just play witness.
12 Smokin’ Romans Bold name, bold hope – if form holds, he might crack the top 10.
13 ChangingoftheGuard Borderline entry – could be a sneaky “watch me run” rather than “watch me win”.
14 Half Yours Local hero, fresh from shorter trips – can he stretch to 3200m? Big question.
15 More Felons
16 Onesmoothoperator Name sounds like a lounge singer — winning over big trips, outsider chance.
17 Furthur
18 Parchment Party American import with long-stay credentials – heavy travel and turf switch could challenge.
19 Athabascan Foreign‐bred, foreign trained – large unknown factor, fun for novelty bets.
20 Goodie Two Shoes Cute name, outsider dial turned to max – good luck finding him if he sneaks up.
21 River of Stars Waller stable again – plenty in that yard but this one might be a support act.
22 Royal Supremacy Sketches of potential, but might just enjoy his day at Flemington rather than steal it.
23 Torranzino Young kiwi, light weight – might sneak in under the radar.
24 Valiant King in good form, trainer knows the big dance – but prefers firm pace and track.
