The 2025 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on November 4 is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Australia. Often referred to as “the race that stops the nation”, the Cup attracts elite horses from around the world and captivates both casual fans and seasoned punters alike.
A total of 66 horses have passed the first acceptance stage, with the field set to be whittled down to the maximum 24 runners closer to raceday.
Early Entrants and International Interest
Victoria Racing Club’s general manager of racing, Leigh Jordan, said: “The 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup is shaping up as a truly great contest. The first acceptances showcase the depth of class set to line up in this year’s race, marking an important milestone on the road to the Cup.”
Top Australian trainer Chris Waller leads the home challenge with 14 first acceptances, while 11 horses trained overseas add an international flavour to the event. Jordan added: “International contenders add intrigue to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, and this year runners from the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Japan, France, America and Germany will challenge the locals in what promises to be an exciting contest.”
The next major step on the road to the Cup comes on Tuesday, October 14, when second declarations must be submitted by noon. After that, punters will have a clearer picture of the final field and betting markets will begin to take shape.
Melbourne Cup 2025 – Latest Betting Odds
Below are the current Melbourne Cup betting odds (as of early October):
- Al Riffa – 7.50
- Sir Delius – 8.00
- Half Yours – 17.00
- Birdman – 17.00
- Absurde – 21.00
- Deakin – 21.00
- Buckaroo – 21.00
- Revelare – 21.00
- Aeliana – 26.00
- Land Legend – 26.00
- Via Sistina – 26.00
- Vauban – 26.00
- Golden Snap – 26.00
- Gilded Water – 26.00
- Flatten the Curve – 26.00
- Presage Nocturne – 26.00
- Arapaho – 34.00
- Adelaide River – 34.00
- Zardozi – 34.00
- Goodie Two Shoes – 34.00
- Meydaan – 34.00
- Chevalier Rose – 41.00
- Changingoftheguard – 41.00
- Furthur – 41.00
- Middle Earth – 41.00
- Onesmoothoperator – 41.00
- Sayedaty Sadaty – 51.00
- Golden Path – 51.00
- River Of Stars – 51.00
- Point King – 51.00
- Post Impressionist – 51.00
- Parchment Party – 51.00
- Kovalica – 67.00
- Bur Dubai – 67.00
- Mormona – 67.00
- Moira – 67.00
- Militarize – 67.00
- Mark Twain – 67.00
- Royal Supremacy – 67.00
- Athabascan – 101.00
- Smokin’ Romans – 101.00
- Kings Valley – 101.00
- Don Diego De Vega – 101.00
- Interpretation – 101.00
- Grand Pierro – 101.00
- Valiant King – 101.00
- Trav – 101.00
- More Felons – 101.00
- Star Of India – 151.00
- Mister Wolfgang – 151.00
- Flying Bandit – 151.00
- Etna Rosso – 151.00
- Sharp ‘n’ Smart – 201.00
- Dashing Duchess – 201.00
- Quietness – 201.00
- Torranzino – 251.00
- Asterix – 251.00
- The Map – 251.00
- So You Are – 251.00
- Scary – 251.00
- Lastotchka – 251.00
- Cleveland – 251.00
- Whisky On The Hill – 251.00
- Brayden Star – 251.00
- Fernao – 251.00
- Naval College – 251.00
The sportsbooks featured on the AustralianBettingSites comparison platform will provide full coverage of the Melbourne Cup, including form analysis, expert tips, and live market updates throughout the build-up.
Melbourne Cup 2025 – Race Preview
Two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien is bidding for a third victory in the Flemington showpiece. His runner Al Riffa is the bookmakers’ favourite following a hugely impressive success in the Irish St Leger at The Curragh last month.
Al Riffa was recently purchased by the Australian Bloodstock syndicate, who won the race with Gold Trip in 2022.
Training duo Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will lead the Australian challenge with Sir Delius and Vauban. Sir Delius recently recorded an eye-catching victory in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse and will likely relish the step up in trip at Flemington. Vauban made two unsuccessful attempts to win the Melbourne Cup when trained by Irish handler Willie Mullins and could struggle to match his talented stablemate.
Racing Victoria handicapper David Hegan highlighted the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Meydaan as a horse who could outperform the rating he has been handed. The four-year-old has produced several excellent performances in Group races in the UK without winning and could be thrown in with just 54kg to carry.
Hegan said: “He is probably similar in profile to former stablemate West Wind Blows, who came out here and was given 54kg in the Caulfield Cup and was narrowly beaten by Without A Fight (2023 Melbourne Cup winner). The difference was West Wind Blows had dual Group 3 wins and a Listed win. Meydaan comes with a similar rating but from running seconds and thirds in Listed and Group 3 races.
Meydaan’s highest performance run comes off the synthetic surface last time, so whether he can reproduce that on the turf we’ll have to find out. He is definitely one who could improve his rating and race beyond expectations.”
Odds are subject to change. Please check with your chosen bookmaker for the latest prices.
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