The final 24-horse field for the Group 1 $10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) is now locked in, featuring an elite assembly of local and international stayers ready to clash at HQ.

Caulfield Cup champ Half Yours is favourite in 2025 Melbourne Cup betting after drawing gate 8 for Tuesday’s $10 million feature. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The complexion of the race sharpened with the barrier draw, with the leading local hope, Half Yours, drawing a plum barrier 8.

Field Snapshot & Top Contenders

The final roster confirms the global reach of the race: 24 final acceptors line up, including 10 internationals.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Al Riffa carries the 59kg top weight, while the exciting Parchment Party becomes the first ever American-trained Melbourne Cup runner.

Trainer Chris Waller leads the local brigade with a formidable five-horse team.

Historically, the favourite hasn’t won since Fiorente in 2013, but this year’s top picks look exceptionally strong.

The Local Star: Half Yours (53kg)

The Caulfield Cup winner, Half Yours (Tony & Calvin McEvoy), is the chief local contender.

Jamie Melham will stick with the stayer as they look to etch their names into history as just the 13th horse to complete the coveted Spring Cups double.

The pair combined for a memorable Caulfield Cup triumph, with Melham making headlines as the first female jockey to win the 2400m classic.

Half Yours was allocated a 2kg penalty, rising from 51kg to 53kg for the two-mile test, but the stable declares it’s “all systems go” for Tuesday.

The stayer drew ideally in gate eight, which last produced a Melbourne Cup winner with Viewed in 2008.

Half Yours has been well backed to become the 13th winner of the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double currently paying $6.50 through Ladbrokes.

The Waller Challengers

Waller, who won in 2021 with the ill-fated Verry Elleegant, fields a powerful five-horse squad, with two primary hopes.

Valiant King (51kg, Barrier 10): The Bart Cummings winner reunites with 2020 Cup winner Jye McNeil. The grey has been building nicely, backing up his Bart Cummings dominance with a strong third in the Caulfield Cup. His light weight and late-finishing style are ideal for the 3200m.

Buckaroo (57kg, Barrier 12): Ridden by Craig Williams (2019 winner), this stayer surged into calculations after a brave runner-up finish behind Via Sistina in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate. His consistency (placings in the Underwood and Might And Power) confirms he’s peaking at the perfect time.

The International Powerhouses

Ten international raiders from outside Australia and New Zealand are aiming to land the Loving Trophy, which hasn’t gone offshore since Twilight Payment in 2020.

O’Brien’s Two-Pronged Attack

Two-time Cup winning trainer Joseph O’Brien from Ireland saddles up two chances.

Al Riffa (59kg, Barrier 19): The top weight is a dominant four-length winner of the Group 1 Irish St Leger (carrying 61.5kg). Mark Zahra, who is riding on a wave of momentum after four straight Derby Day wins, including two Group 1s, partners the star. While the wide draw is a setback, Cross Counter proved it’s manageable from that alley in 2018.

Goodie Two Shoes (51.5kg, Barrier 20): His stablemate, a Fastnet Rock mare, is proven overseas up to 3419m, making the two-mile distance ideal. She suffered a blow however drawing wide out.

MV Gold Cup Winner and American History

The Brian Ellison trained UK raider Onesmoothoperator (53kg, Barrier 6) earned his spot via an impressive Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup victory. Harry Coffey takes the ride, but history is against them as Kingston Rule (1990) was the last to do the double.

Making true history, Parchment Party (William Mott) becomes the first ever American trained Melbourne Cup starter. The Belmont Gold Cup winner will be partnered by American Hall of Fame jockey Johnny Velazquez from barrier 3.

The Key Closers

Presage Nocturne (55kg, Barrier 9): French raider, a solid fourth in the Caulfield Cup, has earned praise for his steady progression this spring. Stephane Pasquier stays aboard the proven European stayer who drew a treat in gate nine and is at current Melbourne Cup odds of $8.

Absurde (54.5kg, Barrier 4): Triple Melbourne Cup winning hoop Kerrin McEvoy reunites with the Willie Mullins runner, who returns for his third attempt (7th in 2023, 5th in 2024).

Meydaan (55kg, Barrier 22): Four-time Cox Plate winning rider James McDonald is a late booking for the UK raider, despite the nightmare wide draw.

Chevalier Rose (55kg, Barrier 5): The sole Japanese chance (seeking to follow Delta Blues 2006) with Damian Lane aboard. Barrier 5 produced last year’s Melbourne Cup champ Knight’s Choice and was also the last gate to see back-to-back Cup winners in 2012-13.

Notes & Records

Waller’s Full Squad: In addition to Valiant King and Buckaroo, Waller’s squad includes Land Legend (53.5kg with Joao Moreira), River Of Stars (51.5kg mare, a Caulfield Cup second-place shock at 90/1, with Beau Mertens), and More Felons (53kg with Tommy Berry).

Returning Contenders: Six horses from the 2024 Cup are back for another shot: Absurde, Land Legend, Buckaroo, Vauban, Onesmoothoperator, and Valiant King.

Mares: Only two mares are in the field: River Of Stars (Waller) and Goodie Two Shoes (O’Brien).

Female Jockeys: A record three female riders are set to compete this year: Jamie Kah (Half Yours), Rachel King (Arapaho), and Celine Gaudray (Torranzino), who makes her Cup debut. Michelle Payne remains the only female rider to win the event (2015).

The 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup is set to run as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday’s bumper 10-race card.

2025 Melbourne Cup Field & Barriers

WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO LOSE TODAY? SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.