Melbourne Cup Picks —Betting Preview and Predictions (Nov 3)

One of the world’s most famous races is set for the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse. The Melbourne Cup is known as the ‘race that stops a nation’, and the world’s richest turf handicap will get underway at 11:00 PM ET on Monday night. You can find the latest odds and our Melbourne Cup picks here.

Odds

Melbourne Cup Recent Winners

Melbourne Cup: Event Information

Race Preview

The sensational horse racing action continues following last weekend’s unmissable edition of the Breeders’ Cup. There will be an international feel surrounding this year’s Melbourne Cup, with runners lining up from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and the United States.

Al Riffa has been the long-time favorite for the Melbourne Cup for trainer Joseph O’Brien. The five-year-old excels over this stamina-sapping distance, beating Amiloc in the G1 Irish St Leger in September. Also has form that ties in with some of the most talented turf horses, including when second behind Rebel’s Romance in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes. However, carrying top weight ensures that this will be no easy feat.

River Of Stars has been a shrewd pick for this year’s Melbourne Cup. The Chris Waller-trained runner was previously trained in the UK by Ralph Beckett, and he produced his best Australian run to date when second in last year’s Caulfield Cup. Any rainfall is a major bonus, and has a clear chance at the weights.

Buckaroo is one of a number of returning runners in the field. He was favorite for the race 12 months ago, but has maintained his high level of form, including when beaten a short-head in the Cox Plate last time. Another career-best run will be required at Flemington.

Valiant King is my second-best selection in this year’s race. The Chris Waller runner has a good draw, and was hugely progressive when previously with Joseph O’Brien in Ireland. Has become a stable star since wearing blinkers, including when third in the Caulfield Cup.

Melbourne Cup Picks

A memorable week for jumps maestro Willie Mullins could get even better in Australia. The National Hunt trainer landed the ultimate shock in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday, and he saddles the likable Absurde at Flemington.

The seven-year-old has run well in the Melbourne Cup on his last two efforts, and has a recent run under his belt in Australia this year after finishing seventh despite trouble in-running in the Caulfield Cup.

The expected rain is a major plus in his favor, and surprisingly, his County Hurdle third at the Cheltenham Festival was upgraded following Ethical Diamond’s victory at Del Mar on Saturday. Big price, but huge chance.