Melbourne Cup 2025: Shock Favourite, Record Stakes & Essential Tips for Race Day

The “race that stops a nation” is set to thunder down Flemington’s famous straight at 3:00 pm AEDT on Tuesday 4 November 2025, and the build-up to Melbourne Cup 2025 is reaching fever pitch. Field and barrier draw Saturday night’s draw delivered several story-lines. Irish entire Al Riffa came up with gate 19, a tricky alley for the $8 favourite after firming steadily all spring. Flemington specialist Buckaroo drew a cosy barrier 12 and remains the clear second elect at $9, while Bart Cummings qualifier Arapaho landed 15 and holds third favouritism at $11. Defending champion Soulcombe has 57 kg and barrier 4, aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Makybe Diva. Ciaron Maher’s Bendigo Cup hero Relentless Voyager slipped into the 24-horse line-up at the final acceptance stage, drawing 23 and staying at $26 odds. Key story-lines to watch • International raiders: Five Northern Hemisphere stayers led by St Leger runner-up New London and French stayer Valiant King have cleared quarantine at Werribee and impressed track-watchers. • Track conditions: The Flemington surface is currently rated a Good 4, but light showers are forecast Cup morning. Any downgrade would favour proven wet-trackers such as Arapaho and 50-1 bolter Okita Soushi. • Jockey changes: Reigning Melbourne Cup-winning rider Mark Zahra sticks with Al Riffa, while Craig Williams reunites with Buckaroo hoping to add a second Cup to his 2019 triumph. Prizemoney and history Total prizemoney remains at a record $8 million, with $4.4 million to the winner plus the 18-carat gold Melbourne Cup trophy. First run in 1861, this will be the 165th edition of Australia’s richest handicap. How to watch and stream Melbourne Cup 2025 • Free-to-air: Seven Network’s live coverage from 10 am AEDT. • Subscription: Racing.com (Foxtel Ch.78) and Kayo Sports simulcast. • Online stream: 7plus, TAB App and international partners Sky Racing World (US) and Racing TV (UK). Betting tips (early) 1 Buckaroo – perfect draw, strong Flemington record. 2 Al Riffa – class runner, needs luck from wide gate. 3 Soulcombe – proven Cup performer, 2 kg more than 2024 win. Roughie: Relentless Voyager – peaking at the right time, each-way value at $26. Essential Cup day timings (AEDT) • Gates open: 8:30 am • Fashions on the Field finals: 12:15 pm • Melbourne Cup Parade lap: 2:30 pm • Race 7: Lexus Melbourne Cup: 3:00 pm • Trophy presentation: 3:20 pm Sweep-stakes printable Download the latest 24-runner sweep with colours, jockeys and barriers from the VRC site or major bookmakers after the final scratchings at 7:30 am Cup morning. With capacity crowds returning, a tight betting market and an even international contingent, Melbourne Cup 2025 promises drama from the barriers to the post. Keep this guide bookmarked for live updates on scratchings, odds shifts, track ratings and last-minute tips as Australia counts down to a historic first Tuesday in November.