2023 Melbourne Cup Betting Guide: Odds, Expert Tips & Betting Sites

So there we have it, after a scintillating Derby Day at Flemington to kick off the Flemington leg of the Melbourne Spring Carnival we now know all the details of who will be lining up for this year’s renewal of the ‘race that stops a nation’.

Horse, Country of Origin, Age, Weight, Trainer, Jockey, and Barrier:

1. GOLD TRIP (FRA) (7yo, 58.5kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) - James McDonald - barrier 2
2. ALENQUER (FRA) (6yo, 56.5kg, Mike Moroney) - Damien Oliver - barrier 9
3. WITHOUT A FIGHT (IRE) (7yo, 55.5kg, Anthony and Sam Freedman) - Mark Zahra - barrier 16
4. BREAKUP (JPN) (6yo, 55kg, Tatsuya Yoshioka) - Kohei Matsuyama - barrier 18
5. VAUBAN (FRA) (6yo, 55kg, Willie Mullins) - Ryan Moore - barrier 3
6. SOULCOMBE (GB) (5yo, 53.5kg, Chris Waller) - Joao Moreira - barrier 4
7. ABSURDE (FRA) (6yo, 53kg, Willie Mullins) - Zac Purton - barrier 8
8. RIGHT YOU ARE (7yo, 53kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) - John Allen - barrier 15
9. VOW AND DECLARE (8yo, 53kg, Danny O'Brien) - Billy Egan - barrier 19
10. CLEVELAND (IRE) (6yo, 51.5kg, Kris Lees) - Michael Dee - barrier 23
11. ASHRUN (FRA) (8yo, 51.5kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) - Kerrin McEvoy - barrier 11
12. DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (NZ) (6yo, 51.5kg, Phillip Stokes) - Daniel Stackhouse - barrier 12
13. OKITA SOUSHI (IRE) (6yo, 51.5kg, Joseph O'Brien) - Dylan Gibbons (a) - barrier 20
14. SHERAZ (FRA) (7yo, 51.5kg, Chris Waller) - Beau Mertens - barrier 22
15. LASTOTCHKA (FRA) (5yo, 51kg, Jean-Marie Beguigne) - Craig Williams - barrier 21
16. MAGICAL LAGOON (IRE) (5yo, 51kg, Chris Waller) - Mark du Plessis - barrier 7
17. MILITARY MISSION (IRE) (6yo, 50.5kg, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) - Rachel King - barrier 5
18. SERPENTINE (IRE) (7yo, 51kg, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) - Jye McNeil - barrier 1
19. VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ) (4yo, 51kg, Liam Howley) - Craig Newitt - barrier 6
20. MORE FELONS (IRE) (6yo, 50.5kg, Chris Waller) - Jamie Kah - barrier 24
21. FUTURE HISTORY (GB) (6yo, 50kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) - Hollie Doyle - barrier 13
22. INTERPRETATION (IRE) (5yo, 50kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) - Teo Nugent - barrier 17
23. KALAPOUR (IRE) (7yo, 50kg, Kris Lees) - Zac Lloyd (a) - barrier 14
24. TRUE MARVEL (FRA) (8yo, 50kg, Matthew Smith) - Ben Thompson - barrier 10

Let’s take a look at the market thanks to one of our favorite betting sites, PlayUp - 

Horse, Barrier, Weight, Trainer, Jockey, Win, Place

1. Vauban (3) 55.00kg, W P Mullins, Ryan Moore - Win: 3.20, Place: 1.55
2. Gold Trip (2) 58.50kg, C Maher & D Eustace, James McDonald - Win: 4.60, Place: 1.90
3. Without A Fight (16) 56.50kg, A & S Freedman, Mark Zahra - Win: 8.00, Place: 2.80
4. Soulcombe (4) 53.50kg, C J Waller, Joao Moreira - Win: 12.00, Place: 3.80
5. Breakup (18) 55.00kg, T Yoshioka, Kohei Matsuyama - Win: 18.00, Place: 5.50
6. Lastotchka (21) 51.00kg, M Price & M Kent Jnr, Craig Williams - Win: 23.00, Place: 6.00
7. Absurde (8) 53.00kg, W P Mullins, Zac Purton - Win: 26.00, Place: 6.50
8. Cleveland (23) 52.00kg, K A Lees, Michael Dee - Win: 26.00, Place: 6.50
9. Future History (13) 50.00kg, C Maher & D Eustace, Hollie Doyle - Win: 26.00, Place: 6.50
10. Vow And Declare (19) 53.00kg, D T O'brien, William Egan - Win: 34.00, Place: 8.00
11. More Felons (24) 50.50kg, C J Waller, Jamie Kah - Win: 34.00, Place: 8.00
12. Alenquer (9) 56.50kg, M D Moroney, Damien Oliver - Win: 51.00, Place: 10.00
13. Ashrun (11) 51.50kg, C Maher & D Eustace, Kerrin McEvoy - Win: 41.00, Place: 9.00
14. Military Mission (5) 51.00kg, G Waterhouse & A Bott, Rachel King - Win: 41.00, Place: 9.00
15. Kalapour (14) 50.00kg, K A Lees, Zac Lloyd - Win: 41.00, Place: 9.00
16. Serpentine (1) 51.00kg, G Waterhouse & A Bott, Jye McNeil - Win: 61.00, Place: 13.00
17. Interpretation (17) 50.00kg, C Maher & D Eustace, Teo Nugent - Win: 61.00, Place: 13.00
18. Virtuous Circle (6) 51.00kg, Liam Howley, Craig Newitt - Win: 81.00, Place: 19.00
19. Daqiansweet Junior (12) 51.50kg, P Stokes, Jarrod Fry - Win: 91.00, Place: 20.00
20. Magical Lagoon (7) 51.00kg, C J Waller, Mark du Plessis - Win: 91.00, Place: 20.00
21. Right You Are (15) 53.00kg, C Maher & D Eustace, John Allen - Win: 71.00, Place: 18.00
22. Okita Soushi (20) 51.50kg, Joseph O'brien, Dylan Gibbons - Win: 71.00, Place: 18.00
23. Sheraz (22) 51.50kg, C J Waller, Beau Mertens - Win: 101.00, Place: 23.00
24. True Marvel (10) 50.00kg, Matthew Smith, Ben Thompson - Win: 151.00, Place: 31.00

Gold Trip - last year’s winner roared back into contention with a sensational win in the Group 1 Turnbull at Flemington on Oct 7.  His last to first victory, with a winning margin of 1.8 lengths, was absolutely sensational and he subsequently backed that run up with a very strong run to finish 3rd in the Caulfield Cup on Oct 21. The only thing against him is the weight that he will be carrying but you’d have to think he’s a strong chance and definitely needs to be part of any exotic bets.

Without A Fight - this year’s Caulfield Cup winner will be trying to do the epic Caulfield / Melbourne Cup double, only ever achieved on 11 occasions, with the last being Ethereal in 2001.  The Caulfield Cup this year was run 6.6 lengths faster than average which suggest it will be an excellent guide for the Melbourne Cup.  I think the biggest question mark is will he run the distance.  He ran in last year’s edition and dropped out to finish 13 having been in the leading pack at the 800m and that has been his only ever run over 3000m.

Vauban - the current favourite and has very strong formlines from Europe.  There is no doubt that he will run the distance having competed and won at over 3000m, over hurdles.  There may well be question marks over whether or not he has the turn of pace to win a Melbourne Cup, and I think there is always a doubt when an overseas horse doesn’t have a lead up run before the Cup, which will be the case here.  That said, he will be ridden by champion jockey Ryan Moore who knows the horse well and knows how to win a Melbourne Cup, having done so with Protectionist in 2014.

Vow and Declare - the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner looks set to have another tilt, having run in 2020 and 2022.  This time he will be back down in the weights and his eye catching 2nd in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes on October 14 says he’s primed to give a good sight again this year.  It would be a fairytale win and I for one will be having a small something on him for sure.

Ashrun - trained by Maher and Eustace, he has had a terrible time with injuries but looks to have put them behind him with his 2nd place in the Geelong Cup on Oct 25.  That was only his third run since running in the 2020 Melbourne Cup.  He is an outsider in the market but the owner, Jamie Lovett holds high hopes for a top 6 finish.

So let’s get to the big stuff… who’s going to win?  There’s almost no better feeling than saying you backed the winner of the Melbourne Cup!

I’m going to say I think the winner comes from the top 4 in the market - that is to say one of Vauban, Gold Trip, Without A Fight and Soulcombe.

At $3.20 the favourite, Vauban, is exceptionally short and if it stays that price at the jump it will be the 2nd shortest fav to have started the Cup since 2005, and the legendary Makybe Diva won her unprecedented third Melbourne Cup .  In 2021 Incentivise started at $2.90 and ran second.  Since 2005 the favourite has only won once: Fiorente saluted at $7 in 2013.  Clearly this favourite is hot but I just can’t bring myself to have a win bet at that price.

Gold Trip - this horse is an absolute staying star, and of course he is last year’s winner.  If he were to win on Tuesday it would be history making given that he would become only the 4th horse to win back to back Melbourne Cups:  Archer (1861, 1862, Rain Lover (1968, 1969) Think Big (1974, 1975) and of course the mighty mare herself, Makybe Diva with the aforementioned trifecta of years.  History is not on his side and with jockey Mark Zahra, who won on him last year, opting for a rival (Without A Fight) you’d have to be brave to back him to win at $4.60.

Without A Fight - this year’s Caulfield Cup winner has his own battle against history, but battles are there to be won right!  Ethereal was the last horse to win the Melbourne Cup having won the Caulfield Cup in 2021. In the twenty years prior to that it happened 4 times, so it really does seem to be that the form lines into the Melbourne Cup have changed over this last generation. On his side as far as history is concerned is the fact that 8 horses since 2000 have carried 55kg or more.  Given the fact that last year’s Cup winning jockey, Mark Zahra, has jumped off the mount that won last year, Gold Trip, in favour of this horse is another boost for his chances.  So too is the fact that this year’s Caulfield Cup was run 6l faster than average.  This is a live chance.

Soulcombe - such an interesting runner.  Has terrible form out of the barriers, and continued that in his last run in the Caulfield Cup.  Gave the field a 6l advantage in that hotly run race (see above re 6l above average speed of the race) and he still managed to finish a creditable 7th, only 6 lengths off the winner.  Obviously the jump issues are a big concern, but if he manages to start well then he is a real live contender.

So who’s my money on from the above?  With all said and done I am going to side with Without A fight at the price.  Any one of the 4 could win but at $8 I am happy to have a bet.

If you fancy a roughie, then Virtuous Circle is my pick.

Putting the kudos glory of backing the sinner aside I want to turn my attention to the exotics.  The Trifecta and the First Four are always a great bet in ‘The Cup’.  With that in mind, my thoughts are below.  I have given the horse race number to help with putting the bets together.

Trifecta:

For First: 3,5
For Second: 1,3,5,6
For Third 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19

First Four

For First: 3,5
For Second: 1,3,5,6
For Third 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19
For Fourth: 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19

Whatever way you go I hope you find a winner and let’s look forward to another epic Melbourne Cup!

Such is the interest in this iconic race that almost everyone you come across is likely to be armed with at least a couple of Melbourne Cup betting tips.  It really is a fantastic betting affair and if you can find some early Melbourne Cup tips and get a bet on in the ‘All In’ markets, then there’s a chance you could back the sinner at vastly better odds than it will actually finish up at on the day.

That said however, there is no better feeling than being able to say “ I backed the winner in the Melbourne Cup.  So my advice would be if you aren’t lucky enough to get some early Melbourne Cup tips from your friends, workmates or acquaintances then make sure to read the full Melbourne Cup review that we post on this site before raceday.

I also thoroughly recommend having a bet on the Melbourne Cup!  From personal experience I can tell you that the thrill is real, and there are some wonderful ways to do it.  You can afford to digest the Melbourne Cup review, and all the Melbourne Cup tips you hear, and back a number of runners in the race and if you happen to back the winner then still walk away with a tidy profit.  

Why?  Because basically there is so much value among the 24 runner field.  In the last 18 years the average starting price for the favourite has been $5+ and yet the favourite has only one in 2 out of the 18 years!!  In the last 6 years the average price of the winner of the Melbourne Cup has been $26.  When you look at this you can start to see how it’s possible to bet on a few of your favourite Melbourne Cup betting tips.
 
Furthermore, it’s a great idea to incorporate these early Melbourne Cup tips into the exotics for the race, particularly the Trifecta and First Four.  The prize pools for these are so big that the payout is often very good indeed, meaning that even if you have a small percentage of the Trifecta or First Four dividend you can still walk away with a big Melbourne Cup Day smile when it is all over.

Scheduled to take place on Tuesday 7 November at Flemington Racecourse the Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle race on the Australian racing calendar and the truest test of staying equine power run under handicap conditions in the world. 

Run over one full circuit of the famous Flemington Racecourse it has a staggering prize pool of $8m on offer. 

For the full prize money allocation see below:

Melbourne Cup Field and Key Dates

The final field for the 2023 Melbourne Cup will be revealed on Saturday, November 4th at 4.30pm, followed by the barrier draw later that evening. The main event takes place on Tuesday, November 7. However, there are some key dates to keep in mind as the race approaches regarding how the field will take shape. Stay tuned for Melbourne Cup tips and insights leading up to these crucial moments. See below:

However, such is the interest in this iconic race that many bookmakers offer what is known as a Pre Noms market for those eager to place an early bet on the Melbourne Cup. Keep in mind, though, that these markets are known as ‘All In’, meaning that once you bet on the Melbourne Cup in these markets, there's no refund if your chosen horse doesn't make the final 24-runner field. Let's take a look at some of the top favored runners in the pre noms markets, keeping in mind that early Melbourne Cup tips can be subject to change as race day approaches.

Let’s take a look at the above and pick out some notable horses of interest.

• Goldman - this former NZ galloper was catapulted into early Melbourne Cup favouritism having won the Listed Roy Higgins over 2600m at Flemington in March this year.  The win gave this up and coming stayer an automatic place in the Melbourne Cup.
• White Marlin - now stablemate of Goldman, with the Waterhouse and Bott team, he arrives in the UK from the Joseph O’Brien stable in Ireland for a tilt at the great race.  He owes his position in the market from his win in the 2000m 2023 Easter Cup, which was this year run at Sandown.
• Gold Trip - last year’s winner will be attempting to do something very few horses have achieved in winning back to back Melbourne Cups.  He will also be carrying a big weight too in this year’s edition after last year’s success.  Also, given that he prefers the softer tracks, and the likelihood this year is that the tracks will be firmer, due to the El Nino weather pattern, we think it’s a tall order for him to win again.
• Explosive Jack - having won the 2023 Sydney Cup he is looking to do the rare Sydney / Melbourne Cup double, last done by the mighty mare Makybe Diva.  In the same Maher and Eustace stable as Gold Trip it’s likely that he might well present the stable with their better option of back to back Melbourne Cups than last year’s winner.

The Melbourne Cup, one of Australia's most iconic horse races, is held annually on the first Tuesday in November. It's a 3200-metre race that sees participants from across the globe. Known for its grandeur, pageantry, and occasional controversies, the Melbourne Cup is steeped in history. Here are some interesting facts:

The Melbourne Cup's inaugural race was in 1861, making it one of the world's oldest horse races.

No horse has ever won the Melbourne Cup from barrier 18, whereas barriers 4 and 12 have been victorious a record 11 times each.

Only one female jockey, Michelle Payne, has ever won the race. She rode Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015, and the odds were a staggering $100!

In 1890, the race had a record 39 runners. For safety purposes, the field is now limited to 24 runners.

The Melbourne Cup has been won by some of Australia's most legendary horses, including Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, Saintly, and Might and Power.

In 1993, the Cup went global when Vintage Crop won the race. Since then, five international horses have claimed the Cup: Media Puzzle (Ireland, 2002); Delta Blues (Japan, 2006); Americain (France, 2010); Dunaden (France, 2011) and Protectionist (Germany, 2014).

The Melbourne Cup is often dubbed "the race that stops a nation" because of the public holiday declared in Victoria on race day.

So, there you have it - a compilation of fascinating facts about one of Australia's most cherished events, the Melbourne Cup!

Annually, on the first Tuesday of November, Melbourne stands still for the renowned Melbourne Cup. Fondly dubbed "the race that stops a nation," thanks to the nationwide attention it garners, this event is deeply rooted in Australian culture. It stands as one of the most prestigious and celebrated horse races globally, drawing immense interest from those seeking Melbourne Cup tips and betting opportunities. This year, it ups the ante with an even richer prize purse, boasting over $8 million.

The Melbourne Cup is a public holiday in Victoria, with school children and working professionals alike taking a day off to revel in the festivities. As the biggest betting event in Australia, it has thousands of punters trying to predict the winner, and millions partake in Melbourne Cup sweeps. Countless others tune in via radio or television, ensuring nearly everyone has a stake in the Melbourne Cup race.

The inaugural Melbourne Cup was held in 1861, and since then, it's become a significant mark on Australia's calendar. Immortalised in songs like 'Waltzing Matilda' by Banjo Paterson, it holds a special charm that continues to captivate the nation even after over 150 years. For those interested in this historic race, Melbourne Cup review articles offer insights into its storied history and provide Melbourne Cup betting tips to help guide their wagers.

The Melbourne Cup, a celebrated icon in Australian sport, has seen an illustrious transition from its local roots to a significant international event. When it was first run in 1861, the race was a predominantly local affair. However, over time, it has emerged as a global spectacle, with its prestige attracting competitors from all corners of the globe.

The Melbourne Cup's journey towards internationalisation began in earnest in 1993 when Irish thoroughbred Vintage Crop, trained by Dermot Weld, crossed the finish line first. This victory marked a turning point in the race's history, shattering the perception that overseas horses couldn't handle the travel and unique challenges of the Melbourne Cup.

In the years that followed, many international trainers were encouraged by Vintage Crop's success and began to target the Melbourne Cup for their own runners. The 2002 triumph of Media Puzzle, another horse from Dermot Weld's stable, reaffirmed the global appeal of the race.

In 2006, the race saw its first Japanese champion, Delta Blues, trained by Katsuhiko Sumii. This victory was significant, not just for Japan, but for the Asian horse racing community, further expanding the Cup's geographical footprint.

French horses also made their mark, with Americain and Dunaden clinching back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The 2014 race saw Germany join the ranks of international victors when Protectionist, trained by Andreas Wohler, triumphed.

The increased participation of international runners has not been without its controversies. Concerns over local opportunities and equine welfare have sparked debates. Nevertheless, it has undeniably raised the race's profile, turning the Melbourne Cup into a truly global event.

Today, the Melbourne Cup is more than a local horse race; it's a global stage where the world's best horses and trainers showcase their prowess. It's a testament to Australia's embrace of international competition and stands as a symbol of unity in the world of sport, resonating with its motto: 'the race that stops a nation' - or, perhaps more accurately now, 'the race that captivates the world.'

The Melbourne Cup, a globally recognized horse racing event, takes place annually in Australia at the iconic Flemington Racecourse, located in Melbourne, Victoria. This prestigious race serves as a centrepiece for the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, showcasing a series of Group 1 races throughout this electrifying event.

Running over a challenging distance of 3200 metres, the Melbourne Cup invites thoroughbred horses aged three years and older to participate. Traditionally held on the first Tuesday of November, the day is recognized as a public holiday in Victoria, reflecting the cultural significance of this race. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with Derby Day on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, followed by the main race on Tuesday. The excitement continues on Thursday with Ladies Day, also known as Oaks Day, and concludes with the TAB Champions Stakes Day on the following Saturday. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival attracts an attendance of over 100,000 annually, while millions tune in to watch the spectacle on television. Moreover, many many Melbourne Cup associated events are hosted at various venues, clubs and racecourses across Australia, allowing race enthusiasts to gather at local tracks or pubs to witness the exhilarating contest.

As a key fixture in Australian culture, the Melbourne Cup is considered one of the most prestigious horse races worldwide. With a prize purse of $8 million, it ranks among the richest races in the equestrian world. Known as "the race that stops a nation", the Melbourne Cup garners substantial public interest and attention, further affirming its status as a truly international event.

The Melbourne Cup isn't merely a significant sporting event; it's a much-awaited occasion on the Australian social calendar that seamlessly blends the world of racing with high fashion. Known for its glamour and sophistication, the Melbourne Cup is where spectators and celebrities alike display their sartorial flair through an array of extravagant ensembles.

There are no rigid dress regulations for the Melbourne Cup; however, the emphasis is on striking a balance between elegance and comfort, given the long-standing nature of the event. Over recent years, there's been a marked shift towards formal wear, with many ladies gravitating towards tailored suits and fitted dresses.

Each racing season raises the bar in the fashion stakes, with attendees upping the ante with their imaginative and radiant outfits outshining the previous year's creations. While soft hues and pastels traditionally dominate the Melbourne Cup, vibrant colours and even metallic shades are increasingly finding favour as attendees explore more daring fashion choices.

Certain days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Spring Racing Carnival have even cultivated their distinctive fashion identity. For example, Oaks Day, affectionately referred to as Ladies Day, is renowned for its splash of pink ensembles.

Regardless of whether you're enjoying the races from Flemington's grounds, your local venue, your office, or the comfort of your home, everyone can partake in the fun of Melbourne Cup fashion. Believe it or not, our calculations reveal that dressing up for the occasion boosts your odds of picking a winning horse by a whopping 100%!

So this year, why not add some excitement to the Melbourne Cup? Dress up, have fun, and place your bet on the race. Don't forget to check out our Best Bets for the Melbourne Cup for expert advice and our top-rated betting sites for the event.