The stage is set for a thrilling edition of the time-honoured Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) this weekend in Melbourne, with a stellar lineup of stayers confirmed to battle it out over the iconic mile and a half at Caulfield with many horses using the race as a springboard to the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.

Chris Waller’s in-form Underwood Stakes champ Buckaroo heads betting on the 2024 Caulfield Cup this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Chris Waller‘s in-form six-year-old Buckaroo heads into the race as the firm favourite in Caulfield Cup betting at $4.60 through Ladbrokes following Tuesday afternoon’s all-important Caulfield Cup barrier draw.

This Fastnet Rock gelding has been impressive throughout his preparation, culminating in a strong victory in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and a narrow second at weight-for-age in Flemington’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last start.

Ace Brazilian hoop Joao Moreira will be in the saddle for Buckaroo, hoping to replicate Verry Elleegant’s success from barrier eight.

The rails-drawn Land Legend, another Waller runner looking to hand his trainer a third Caulfield Cup success, is also a strong contender from the stable with a favourable inside alley.

This French-bred Galileo gelding boasts a win in Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) in Syndey over the same distance last time out and will be ridden by Zac Purton who travels from Hong Kong for the ride.

Another class import making an impact down under this spring, Eliyass, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, presents as a major threat, with Tim Clark taking the reins. While his outside barrier draw could pose a challenge, Incentivise (2021) recently overcame gate 18 of 18 to win the event giving hope to those on the Eliyass bandwagon.

Four mares will attempt to defy the odds and claim Caulfield Cup glory for the first time since Waller’s ill-fated Verry Elleegant in 2020.

Zardozi, trained by James Cummings, is the favourite among the female gallopers in this year’s Melbourne Cup field.

Ridden by the Sydney Cup winning jockey Andrea Atzeni, she’ll be aiming to break a drought and add to her impressive record that includes a VRC Oaks win from last Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The bonny Deny Knowledge, who upset Mr Brightside in the Might And Power at the track last weekend, is another mare to watch on the quick back-up with fitness on her side.

With a lighter weight and a skilled jockey in Craig Newitt, she shouldn’t be underestimated despite a wide gate from which she’ll be out to cross and likely lead the field in a front-running performance not to miss!

Coco Sun also on the short turnaround from a credible performance in the Might And Power and Positivity round out the of mares, both capable of causing an upset.

Japanese raider Warp Speed drawn wide out for his first-up start in Australia represents the international contingent, aiming to become the third Caulfield Cup winner from Japan.

The highly credentialed Sayedaty Sadaty meanwhile came up trumps with gate two as Ciaron Maher’s European import makes his Australian debut.

Warmonger, the runaway Queensland Derby champion from the winter, is another contender to watch from barrier 16 as he looks to atone for a flat run last time out.

With a mix of established staying stars, up-and-coming talents, and international hopefuls, the 2024 Caulfield Cup promises to be a race to remember.

The battle for supremacy is sure to be fierce, with each horse vying for a chance to etch their name in racing history.

Buckaroo may be the favourite, but there are plenty of challengers ready to make their mark. Who will emerge victorious? Tune in this weekend to find out!

2024 Caulfield Cup Field

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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