Here we are, spring has fully arrived, the air is warm and thick with the scent of Flemington roses. The first Tuesday in November is here, which means it’s time to race the Melbourne Cup around the famous 3,200 meters.

We’ve got all the details you need to pick a winner in the big tournament.

TAB fixed odds are correct as of 1pm AEDT, 4 November 2024 (please visit tab.com.au for the latest news).

$7 Form: 11x0x24312
% career earnings: 40 Place%: 75

First start for a new coach after a seven-week period. Get out of a good barrier quickly, so he should be safe from any early problems. He won two starts last time out at York. He could be one of the contenders.

$7 Form: 5356×81122
% career earnings: 23 Place%: 55

Finished strongly to take second place in the Caulfield Cup on a soft track. Has two wins from five starts in this preparation and with magic man Joao Moreira on board he will be part of his chances.

$34 Form: 3x4411x890
% career earnings: 23 Place%: 54

Jumps off a tricky barrier after struggling so far with this preparation. Finished 10th last Caulfield Cup start but will appreciate the extra distance here. I won’t be carrying my money, so that’s a plus.

$26 Form: x414x325x0
% career earnings: 17 Place%: 48

Was well beaten last time out in the Caulfield Cup after a six month spell. It will be better for this race, prefers dry ground and has a good draw for it. The situation would have to be reversed to win.

$23 Form: 95365×3426
% career earnings: 25 Place%: 50

Back to finish 6th last start at Cox Plate. Proven over long distances, so stepping up will be suitable. Which one to consider for your exotics as a place of arrival would not be surprising.

$34 Form: x3669x0203
% career earnings: 27 Place%: 59

Showed great improvement to finish third in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500m last start. We will still have to improve if we want to have a chance here.

$51 Form: 0x85x05010
% career earnings: 28 Place%: 40

Was in the lead early in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup last start over 2500m but faded badly to finish last. He could be one of the favorites here again, but he is unlikely to collect any trophies.

$12 Form: 755x1x0613
% career earnings: 23 Place%: 46

He ran well to finish third in the Caulfield Cup final start, having won the race at Randwick before an average of 2400m. I’ll enjoy the wide open spaces of Flemington and the extra distance and a win here wouldn’t be surprising.

$10 Form: 1x7F41x41x
% career earnings: 29 Place%: 67

First race for a new trainer after a long time. He ran well in last year’s Melbourne Cup and has had a similar preparation this time around.

10. ATHABASCAN (FR) – TAB Odds: $61 Form: x6442x8001
% career earnings: 14 Place%: 41

Last start won the St Leger at Randwick over 2600m. Definitely not one of the worst starters and jumps out of a nice gate.

11. KNIGHT’S CHOICE – TAB Odds: $101 Form: 24234×9005
% career earnings: 23 Place%: 45

Finished fifth at last start in the Bendigo Cup, five lengths behind Sea King. Before that, he was well back at the finish of the Caulfield Cup. One for the Newcastle fans, let’s hope he finishes closer to the front of the pack.

$13 Form: 13x00x8021
% career earnings: 28 Place%: 61

Won Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500m last start. You have to run on speed and are among the main chances. Jockey Jamie Kah returns to his best form.

$8.50 Form: 42882×1741
% career earnings: 13 Place%: 55

Won the Geelong Cup last start which always proved to be a strong indicator for this race. With one of the best jockeys in the world, Craig Williams, on board, I will be putting some of my hard-earned money into it. One for Sade fans.

$11 Form: 132×665245
% career earnings: 32 Place%: 53

Short three day return after finishing fifth in the Empire Rose over 1600m on Derby Day. Before that he had run well to finish fourth in the Caulfield Cup. Won twice previously at Flemington and is flying the flag for Godolphin this year.

$13 Form: 4x110136x1
% career earnings: 35 Place%: 50

On his last start, first after a period, he won the Bendigo Cup over 2400m. In good shape, he could pose a real threat if he manages to cross 3,200 m. One for fans of naval helicopters.

$101 Form: 212256×009
% career earnings: 9 Place%: 45

Has struggled so far in this preparation, finishing ninth in the Caulfield Cup last start. He has a poor barrier for the Cup and is unlikely to trouble the top horses. One for all the old Chrysler fans.

$101 Form: x58610x536
% career earnings: 19 Place%: 52

Finished 10 lengths behind the Caulfield Cup winner last start on soft track. Will not be far in the race and has the speed to overcome a bad barrier. But I don’t like his chances.

$19 Form: 916×000862
% career earnings: 17 Place%: 35

Finished second in last Geelong Cup start over 2400m. Has reached the finish line well in recent starts and could be ready to spring a surprise in that regard.

19. MANZOICE – TAB Odds: $101 Form: 88520×2307
% career earnings: 10 Place%: 33

Finished four lengths off the pace last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. Won twice in a 21-race career and will have a real shot at the final spot in the office sweep.

$81 Form: x23622x440
% career earnings: 24 Place%: 52

Did nothing to impress last start at Flemington, finishing second last over 2520m. Had a 31 day period and will wear the blinders again. One for Melbourne weather fans.

$101 Form: 81291×2178
% career earnings: 33 Place%: 50

Faded to finish eighth last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and won at Caulfield three points back. The wide barrier is a concern, as is its ability to cover 3,200m.

$26 Form: 31123×8495
% career earnings: 20 Place%: 50

Ran strong to finish midfield in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup final start over 2500m. Not without hope on the additional distance. One for Dragons fans, and hopefully not as disappointing.

$51 Form: 12211×9056
% career earnings: 28 Place%: 47

He loves Flemington, although he has struggled to get in shape lately. On his last start he finished sixth in the Geelong Cup over 2400 m. He should manage the distance but he lacks the class to win. One for Dora the Explorer fans.

– TAB odds: $101 Form: 1626×63044
% career earnings: 13 Place%: 33

Finished fourth in the St Leger over 2600m at Randwick last start. Earned four wins in a 30-start career, and none of them were in recent memory. Could fight Manzoice for final spot in office sweep.