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2024 Melbourne Cup Day LIVE updates: Knight’s Choice wins Cup in massive boilover

Sheila Laxon has won her second Melbourne Cup with rank outsider Knight’s Choice, who saluted at $81 to become the race’s longest-priced winner since Prince Of Penzance.

Daniel Sankey
19 min read
November 5, 2024 - 5:24PM
Hold All Tickets 2024 Melbourne Cup Runner-by-Runner preview

Welcome to live coverage of 2024 Melbourne Cup Day from Flemington.

Racenet’s Daniel Sankey will keep you up-to-date throughout the day with the latest tips, results and betting moves following Knight’s Choice’s victory in today’s Melbourne Cup. We’ll also have live updates from Royal Randwick, where Tommy Berry produced a masterful ride to win the $3 million Big Dance on Gringotts.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS(click the headline to go to the post)
• 4.55pm: Melbourne Cup – What the jockeys said
• 3.10pm: Knight’s Choice wins Melbourne Cup + finishing order
• 2.25pm: Gringotts wins the Big Dance at Randwick
• 1.30pm: $81 roughie stuns punters

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

5.20pm: Flemington Race 10 – Bel Air salutes

Jockey Ben Melham secured a double on Melbourne Cup day as Bel Air ($12) fought hard for a gritty win in the Channel 9 Trophy (1400m).

Is It Me ($6, Celine Gaudray) and Warnie ($3.80, Ethan Brown) both threw down a challenge late in the contest but couldn’t overhaul the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained gelding, who notched his fifth career win from 22 starts.

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4.55pm: Melbourne Cup – What the jockeys said

“Pinch me ... I think I’m dreaming.”

Robbie Dolan was on cloud nine after his epic upset victory aboard Knight’s Choice in today’s $8.5 million Melbourne Cup.

“I just can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to say. I can’t even put it into words.

“This is the biggest race in the world, and to win it is just incredible. I’ve never ridden this race before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I feel like I’ve ridden it ten times because I’ve run the race over in my head before I got here.”

Jamie Kah, who rode third-place Okita Soushi, said she couldn’t have asked for anything more from her horse.

“Got me a bit excited at the 200 (metre mark). I thought he was going to hang on, but he’s just a genuine one-pace horse, but couldn’t ask for anything more of him,” she said.

Read our full wrap of all the jockeys’ comments here.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

4.40pm: Flemington Race 9 – Gil’s best bet Fancify salutes

Shout-out to our gun form analyst Gilbert Gardiner, whose best bet of the day Fancify saluted like a good thing in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m).

The mare was an $11 chance when tipped by Gil this morning but was well-backed before the jump, starting at $7.50. She rewarded her backers when jockey Joe Bowditch took her straight to the front for SA trainer Michael Hickmott, never at any stage looking like being run down by chasers Tiz Invincible ($18, Jamie Kah) and Konasana ($8.50, James McDonald).

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4.20pm: Randwick Race 7 – St Lawrence wins the Little Dance

Leading trainer Ciaron Maher captured the Big Dance-Little Dance double when St Lawrence got the nod at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Less than two hours after winning the Big Dance with Gringotts, St Lawrence edged out the Joseph Pride-trained Estadio Mesttalla to win the $750,000 Little Dance.

Jockey Chad Schofield got the best out of St Lawrence late while the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Jamberoo was a brave third.

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3.55pm: Flemington Race 8 – Catoggio salutes at $51

As Channel 9 host Eddie McGuire declared, ‘you just can’t make this stuff up’ after Catoggio won the Listed Amanda Elliott (1400m).

Catoggio, named after the former Carlton star Vin Catoggio, defeated Bosustow, named after former Blues high-flyer Peter Bosustow.

Long-time Carlton supporters could have earned themselves a $198 exacta dividend by sticking with the Blues legends.

Even the race name was an omen as the former VRC chairperson Amanda Elliott was married to the late controversial former Carlton president John Elliott.

Catoggio and Bosustow are two of the large number of horses that compete as part of the Anthony Mithen-led Victorian Alliance, an initiative seeking stallion prospects.

The $3.50 favourite Big Swinger weakened to miss a placing after having every chance.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

3.40pm: Randwick Race 6 – Gallant Star wins Barn Dance

Dubbo flyer Gallant Star was in a race of his own after making a mess of his rivals with a dominant victory in the $250,000 Barn Dance (1300m) at Royal Randwick.

The Brett Robb-trained galloper, owned by former Australian cricketer and media figure Kerry O’Keeffe, produced a powerful turn of speed to race away with the lucrative sprint.

Gallant Star ($3) scored from the Donna Scott-trained Our Last Cash ($31) and Scott Singleton’s Melody Again ($12).

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

3.10pm: Knight’s Choice wins Melbourne Cup in massive boilover

Trainer Sheila Laxon has won her second Melbourne Cup with rank outsider Knight’s Choice, who saluted at $81 to become the race’s longest-priced winner since Prince Of Penzance.

Laxon, who trains in partnership with John Symons, won the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double with Ethereal in 2001 but Group 1 runners, let alone winners, have been few and far between since then.

Knight’s Choice was ridden by Robbie Dolan, the Irish-born, Queensland-based jockey who shot to fame as a contestant on The Voice. It is Dolan’s third Group 1 – his other two were also roughies in Profondo (Spring Champion Stakes) and Shelby Sixtysix (Galaxy).

“I’ll be singing for the rest of my life after that,” Dolan said. “What the hell?!?

“I’m supposed to be riding at Ipswich on Thursday. I don’t know if I’ll be there!”

   

2024 MELBOURNE CUP FINISHING ORDER
1st – KNIGHT’S CHOICE
2nd – Warp Speed
3rd – Okita Soushi
4th – Zardozi
5th – Absurde
6th – Circle Of Fire
7th – Fancy Man
8th – Land Legend
9th – Buckaroo
10th – Kovalica
11th – Vauban
12th – Onesmoothoperator
13th – Valiant King
14th – Sea King
15th – Interpretation
16th – Sharp ‘N’ Smart
17th – Trust In You
18th – Mostly Cloudy
19th – Manzoice
20th – Positivity
21st – The Map
22nd – Saint George
23rd – Just Fine

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2.45pm: Final say on Melbourne Cup betting

Buckaroo and Onesmoothoperator remain locked in a battle for favouritism at $7 in Ladbrokes’ Melbourne Cup market with the race just 15 minutes from the jump.

While Buckaroo has remained relatively steady at his $7 quote, Onesmoothoperator has firmed from $8.50 in the past two hours.

In turn, that’s seen Vauban drift from $7 out to $8, with Absurde ($10) on the next line of betting.

MELBOURNE CUP MARKET
Odds: Ladbrokes @ 2.45pm
$7 Buckaroo, Onesmoothoperator
$8 Vauban
$10 Absurde
$14 Land Legend, Sea King
$15 Zardozi
$17 Okita Soushi
$21 Interpretation, Saint George
$23 Circle Of Fire
$26 Warp Speed, Kovalica
$31 Just Fine
$41 Sharp ‘N’ Smart
$61 The Map
$71 Trust In You
$81 Fancy Man, Mostly Cloudy, Positivity
$91 Knight’s Choice, Valiant King
$126 Manzoice

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2.25pm: Randwick Race 5 — Gringotts banks the Big Dance

Tommy Berry produced a masterful ride from barrier 18 to steer the Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts to a memorable victory in the $3 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick.

As Zouatica set a hectic tempo up front, Berry was able to get Gringotts over to a prominent position behind the pace and he dashed to the front at the 300m, establishing a race-winning gap.

Gringotts’ stablemate Vivy Air (Andrew Adkins) dashed home for second with Ben Brisbourne’s Suparazi (Tim Clark) in third.

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2.02pm: Flemington Race 6 — Arran Bay holds on

The Phillip Stokes-trained Arran Bay showed a ton of fight under star jockey Luke Nolen combined to capture the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m).

Both Unspoken (Damian Lane) and Apulia (Mark Zahra) laid down the challenge in the final 200m but Arran Bay held on to capture the $105,000 cheque for first place.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1.50pm: Onesmoothoperator challenges for Cup favouritism

Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator has been the big firmer in Ladbrokes’ Melbourne Cup market in the past two hours.

To be ridden by Craig Williams, Onesmoothoperator has firmed from $8.50 into $7.50 to be on the next line of betting behind $7 equal favourites Vauban and Buckaroo.

Vauban’s stablemate Absurde remains rock solid at $10, while Zardozi has drifted from $12 out to $15.

At longer odds, Sharp ‘N’ Smart ($71 into $34) continues to firm.

Ladbrokes currently holds a $1 million liability for seven horses – Circle Of Fire, Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Just Fine, Positivity, Trust in You, Knight’s Choice and Manzoice.

In terms of the horses that the bookmaker will be cheering for – Zardozi and Saint George would return Ladbrokes’ best winning result.

MELBOURNE CUP MARKET
Odds: Ladbrokes @ 1.50pm
$7 Vauban, Buckaroo
$7.50 Onesmoothoperator
$10 Absurde
$143 Land Legend, Okita Soushi, Sea King
$15 Zardozi
$23 Kovalica, Interpretation
$26 Circle Of Fire, Saint George
$31 Warp Speed
$34 Sharp ‘N’ Smart
$35 Just Fine
$51 The Map
$61 Positivity, Trust In You
$71 Fancy Man
$81 Knight’s Choice, Valiant King, Mostly Cloudy
$126 Knight’s Choice, Manzoice

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1.48pm: Randwick Race 4 — Harry blazes to victory

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1.30pm: Flemington Race 5 — $81 roughie stuns punters

Emerging trainer Dominic Sutton caused a boilover in the Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) with $81 outsider Garachico victorious from Newfoundland in the Benchmark 96 contest. Garachico chimed in around the home bend and sustained a strong gallop under jockey Billy Egan to deliver Sutton a first Melbourne Cup Carnival success in only his second season.

“This is everything. It’s been a sort of fast rise coming through the training ranks, and to be able to have these calibre of horses to bring to the races on days like today, it’s just an unbelievable thrill,” Sutton said.

“I feel very honored to be able to be in this position.”

A French import, Garachico had been winless since his second start at Evreux in September 2021.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1.12pm: Randwick Race 3 — King nabs thriller

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

12.50pm: Flemington Race 4 — Melham brings the Bling

Manolo Bling defied some strong betting moves to win the The Schweppervescence Plate (1000m).

Ladbrokes customers backed Last Druid ($11 into $8.50), Gruzamba ($9.50 into $6) and Winnasedge ($7 into $6) but Manolo Bling got the money with jockey Ben Melham aboard.

Manolo Bling raced on the outside section of the Flemington straight course to defeat Hedonist ($26) and Overfull ($12) by three-quarters of a length.

Melham said there was no particular advantage to horses racing down the outer half of the track.

“I just felt the better horses or the better chances were drawn wide in that race, so I wanted to be over there with them,” Melham said.

“Obviously a very big field, you need a little bit of luck, but we certainly got that.”

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

12.30pm: Brad Waters’ Flemington Quaddie tips

If you’re looking to have a lash at today’s Flemington quaddie (in which you have to pick the winners of the final four races of the day), look no further – Racenet’s Brad Waters has done all the hard work for you.

Here are his selections ... if you want the full dividend, this quaddie will cost you $216 to put on. We suggest a $50 investment which would get you a tick over 23 per cent of the final dividend (which is generally huge on Melbourne Cup Day!):

LEG 1 – RACE 7
The Melbourne Cup presents a tough start to the quaddie. The class horses of the field VAUBAN (1) and BUCKAROO (2) must go in along with SHARP ‘N’ SMART (6) and AKITA SOUSHI (12) out of the Moonee Valley Cup. International ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (13) should go in after his impressive Geelong Cup win, while INTERPRETATION (18) will be finishing strongly.
1ST LEG: 1, 2, 6, 12, 13, 18

LEG 2 – RACE 8
Trimming the second leg back to three contenders. MEDIA WORLD (6) has a tricky gate, but his Sydney form is solid and he’ll appreciate dropping back to 1400m. BIG SWINGER (7) has created a terrific impression at the provincials with two dominant wins and could measure up. CHEWING GUM (8) ran on hard from a tricky gate at Caulfield and is worth including.
SECOND LEG: 6, 7, 8

LEG 3 – RACE 9
Another huge field for the third leg, but AVIATRESS (5) is drawn to have the perfect run and could continue on her winning ways. COMRADE ROSA (6) is fresh for this, but will find this more suitable than her third in wet conditions last month. FALL FOR CINDY (3) wasn’t far away in Sydney first-up and is unbeaten second-up.
THIRD LEG: 3, 5, 6,

LEG 4 – RACE 10
The bookies might have nailed this race, so sticking with the favourites. RHEINBERG (3) has an excellent first-up record and has jumped out well leading up to this. WARNIE (12) finished hard to score at his Australian debut down the straight and will be better suited over 1400m. Throw in the lightly weighted IS IT ME (14) and the fresh PAL D’ORO (10) if your budget permits.
FOURTH LEG: 3, 12, 10, 14

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

12.10pm: Flemington Race 3 – It’s that man J-Mac AGAIN

Star jockey James McDonald made it two wins from the first three races on Melbourne Cup Day as he dominated the MSS Security Subzero (1400m) aboard Cloudland ($3).

“It’s been a good start to the carnival and these horses are perfectly placed,” McDonald said.

“Kris Lees is a very astute trainer and he’s placed this horse perfectly from Queensland.

“He (Cloudland) was a quirky bugger. At least he won, that’s what I liked about him, but he was pretty hard work going to the gates.

“He tried to buck me off going to the start, which I wasn’t too pleased about. I didn’t feel like hitting the deck this early.

“They’ve been on pace runners so far so as the day goes on, look for the track to be drying out more and it will only get quicker. At the moment, I’ll just keep aiming up for the first four and see what I can do.”

Cloudland is raced by Terry Henderson’s OTI Racing, which was dealt a blow on Cup eve with the scratching of Athabascan on veterinarian advice. However, OTI will still saddle up Bendigo Cup winner Sea King, a $13 chance in Ladbrokes’ Cup market.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11.50am: Gilbert Gardiner’s best bets for Flemington

The best bet of the day for Gilbert Gardiner comes up in Race 9 – FANCIFY (12). Gil says his only concern with this SA raider is the wide draw, but she does have the class to offset that. Fancify has won six of his 12 starts and won first-up at Murray Bridge heading into this race. The mare is a nice price, too ... Ladbrokes is currently offering $11.

His next best is in Race 5 – NEWFOUNDLAND (10). The hat-trick contender has drawn a good gate and has Jamie Kah aboard ... notably, Kah won this race last year aboard Melbourne Cup hope The Map. You can currently get $4.60 with Ladbrokes.

Also in Race 5, Gil suggests an each-way bet on a roughie with a terrific winning chance – AHURIRI (15). The Chris Waller-trained mare is a $15 chance.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11.40am: McAvaney keen on Gringotts in Big Dance

Channel 7’s racing presenter Bruce McAvaney, the voice of Australian sport, is keen on Buckaroo in the Melbourne Cup and Gringotts for the Big Dance.

“Buckaroo ran a very good second in the Caulfield Cup which is always good form for the Melbourne Cup. He’s a weight-for-age horse who is well in with 54.5kg,’’ McAvaney said.

“I think Gringotts is a good horse and can win the Big Dance despite the wide barrier.’’

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11.25am: Flemington Race 2 — J-Mac’s back in the winner’s stall

James McDonald is on the board on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington, piloting Opening Address ($3.80) to victory in the Listed TAB Trophy (1800m).

Statuario (Damian Lane) was second from Cecchetti (Daniel Stackhouse).

The Michael Moroney-trained Plymouth was the hard-luck story of the race, with Blake Shinn unable to find clear running until the race was all over.

And while it would have been disappointing for Moroney, the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer would no doubt have just been happy to be back at the racetrack for the first time since April after fighting off a series of serious health ailments.

Moroney, 66, told Racenet earlier this week he hoped to be back after spending the best part of three months in hospital fighting off cancer on two fronts, a collapsed lung and severe pneumonia.

But with a host of good chances on the day, and with some of his family over from New Zealand, he was always keen to get back for one or two of the days of the Flemington Cup carnival.

Moroney, who trained Brew to win the 2000 Melbourne Cup, has been back at trackwork for six weeks.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11.15am: Storm Boy transferred to Ireland for sprint campaign

Coolmore Australia has announced that crack colt Storm Boy will be sent to Ireland to be trained by Aidan O’Brien for the rich northern hemisphere sprints next year.

There is a chance Storm Boy could clash with Coolmore’s Group 1-winning three-year-old Switzerland overseas with the latter likely to be aimed at England’s famous Royal Ascot in June.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11.10am: Jockeys rate Flemington surface for Cup Day

In-form jockey Craig Williams has given today’s Flemington surface the big thumbs up as he attempts to win the $8.5 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) aboard $8.50 chance Onesmoothoperator.

“The track is perfect. He’s prepared it really well, nice bit of give in it,” Williams said.

Fellow jockey Ben Allen echoed Williams’ assessment. “It’s perfect, it has a bit of juice in it.”

Gilbert Gardiner reports that Vauban’s jockey William Buick has just arrived on course and the 108-time Group 1 winner said he was “all good, rested and looking forward to Vauban”.

Vauban is a $7 equal favourite (with Buckaroo) for today’s great race.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

11am: Ray Thomas’ Big Dance, Melbourne Cup tips

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

10.55am: Flemington Race 1 — It’s a Team Hayes trifecta

Weight of numbers won the day for the Hayes brothers in the opening race on Melbourne Cup Day.

Trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes had four runners in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate but the $17 outsider of the quartet Tycoon Star led home a stable trifecta.

Jockey Michael Dee drove Tycoon Star between his stablemates Bacash (James McDonald, $6.50) and Shining Smile (Dan Stackhouse, $5.50) to give the prolific stable its first win of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Dee also notched his first success of the four-day carnival aboard Tycoon Star.

The well-backed favourite Price Tag finished fourth but never looked a winning chance.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

10.30am: Glenn McFarlane’s TOP TIPS for Flemington today

Race 1 – This could be a two-bet strategy to get the long day underway. Whispers are strong around the Flemington track on Tuesday morning that the Sam and Anthony Freedman-trained PRICE TAG (10) can make amends for a luckless debut run at headquarters earlier this month. But don’t let Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s first starter PRESTAR (5) go around with a look.

Race 2 – PLYMOUTH (8) is still learning the caper after only three starts but he looks well suited to the rise to 1800m. Can do some things wrong in his races, but has plenty of ability. Slightly sticky draw, but Blake Shinn can make the difference.

Race 3 – If you can discount MATHLETIC (3)’s three Australian runs to date, and focus on his recent jumpout wins this campaign, he can be very competitive in the greys’ race. Worth an each way ticket at his price

Race 4 – Almost impossible race, but loved the way VERSAILLE (18) won her maiden at Bendigo back in June. DAMEHOOD (17) too looks a chance at solid odds, too.

Race 6 – Hard to find a best bet on a Cup program but really liked the way APULIA (6) resumed last start. The Derby runner-up was savaging the line and will be highly competitive over 1800m.

Gilbert Gardiner reports that of his four runners in the race, trainer Ben Hayes favours SHINING SMILE (1).

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

10.15am: Key Melbourne Cup market movers revealed

The James Cummings-trained Zardozi has been a significant betting firmer for today’s Melbourne Cup with bookmaker Ladbrokes.

Zardozi, last year’s VRC Oaks winner, who turned in a slashing Melbourne Cup trial in Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes, is now priced at $12 in Ladbrokes market after as much as $17 was bet.

Other market movers include Jamie Kah’s mount Okita Soushi ($21 into $14) and its Ciaron Maher-trained stablemate Saint George ($34 into $23), New Zealand Derby winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart ($71 into $41) and Brisbane Cup runner-up Mostly Cloudy ($101 into $81).

Vauban has eased slightly this morning and is now a $7 equal favourite with Buckaroo.

Big bets taken by Ladbrokes include $7500 on Onesmoothoperator at $8, $6000 on Vauban at $6.50 and $5000 bets on Sea King at $15, Okita Soushi at $21, Circle Of Fire at $35.

MELBOURNE CUP MARKET
Odds: Ladbrokes @ 10am
$7 Vauban, Buckaroo
$8.50 Onesmoothoperator
$10 Absurde
$12 Zardozi
$13 Land Legend
$14 Okita Soushi, Sea King
$18 Interpretation
$23 Kovalica, Circle Of Fire, Saint George
$31 Warp Speed
$41 Sharp ‘N’ Smart
$51 Just Fine, The Map
$71 Mostly Cloudy
$81 Fancy Man, Positivity, Trust In You
$101 Valiant King
$151 Knight’s Choice, Manzoice

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

9.55am: Roar deal in Big Dance can offset Cup chagrin

The heartache of Athabascan missing the Melbourne Cup could be healed just a little for trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton if Lion’s Roar can win the $3 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick on Tuesday.

O’Shea and Charlton were preparing to have their first Melbourne Cup runner together in their first full season in partnership but had their hopes dashed at the eleventh hour when the stayer was sensationally scratched on Monday evening.

However, Lion’s Roar – a horse with Randwick mile form unmatched in the Big Dance field – can give them plenty of cheer.

“It’s his favourite track and distance,” Charlton said.

“He was probably a bit outclassed last start in the King Charles and didn’t have the best run in transit.

“He comes right back in class now with a decent enough weight on what he has achieved.

“From the draw, if he can get the right run he will definitely be effective.”

Read Mitch Cohen’s full story here.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

9.40am: ‘He has the best form, no question’

Star international jockey William Buick says Vauban has the best form in the Melbourne Cup, “no question about that”.

Buick, a 108-time Group 1 winner globally, declared the Willie Mullins-trained stayer the “classiest horse” he has had an opportunity to ride in the Melbourne Cup.

“This year he’s stepped up on his previous form,” Buick said.

“He’s competed against the best stayers that we have, but Onesmoothoperator and Sea King are coming off good wins here leading up to the Cup, so huge respect for them.

“Vauban he has got the best form in the race, no question about that.”

Read the full story, by Gilbert Gardiner, here.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

9am: Rain Dance at Randwick

Ray Thomas is at Royal Randwick for Big Dance Day where light rain is currently falling.

If you’re heading to the track today, Ray says don’t worry too much about packing an umbrella ... the weather is expected to clear in the next hour.

The Randwick track was rated a Good 4 this morning and no change is expected, with the first race to jump at 11.45am.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

8.30am: Is this the best roughie for today’s Cup?

Trainer Chris Waller talks up the chances of $101 pop Valiant King. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images
Trainer Chris Waller talks up the chances of $101 pop Valiant King. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has described $101 bolter Valiant King as “this year’s Sheraz” for the $8.5 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

“Every year in the Cup there is always a horse with a big price that runs top three,’’ Waller said.

“Sheraz did it for us last year and we hope Valiant King is this year’s Sheraz.

“Like Sheraz, we know Valiant King will stay the trip.’’

Read the full story here.

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8am: Ray & Duff’s Big Dance tips

Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy are at Royal Randwick today, where the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at 2.20pm AEDT is the highlight of a massive 10-race card.

In the feature, Duff says he has to follow the form from the Alan Brown Quality on October 12, when Here To Shock edged out Big Dance favourite Gringotts ($3.90).

“It has been very strong so far – Here To Shock, barrier one, box-seat. (He’s an) underrated horse and is hard to beat again,” Duff said of the $5.50 third favourite.

Ray is with Kris Lees-trained Tavi Time, priced at $4.80.

“He was very impressive second-up winning over 1600m at Warwick Farm and he’s certainly better suited on a big Randwick track,” Ray says.

Get Ray & Duff’s full race-by-race preview and tips to Big Dance day here.

BIG DANCE MARKET
Odds: TAB @8am
$3.90 Gringotts
$4.80 Tavi Time
$5.50 Here To Shock
$12 Ducasse
$13 Suparazi
$15 Detonator Jack
$18 Lion’s Roar
$19 Sky Lab
$21 Redstone Well
$26 Hezashocka, Floating
$34 Cranky Harry, Vivy Air
$41 Overriding
$71 Time Quest, Sneak Preview
$81 Green Shadows, Prince Of Helena, Zouatica
$126 Money From The Sky

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

7.15am: Vauban now a clear Cup favourite

It’s a case of history repeating, with Vauban now outright favourite for today’s $8.5 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

The Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo was the $5.50 favourite after Saturday’s barrier draw, with Vauban at $7, but the market has since switched. At 7am today, Vauban was a $6.50 favourite in Ladbrokes’ Cup market with bets including $6000 at $6.50 and $2000 at $7.

Buckaroo has drifted to $7 with Onesmoothoperator ($8), Absurde ($10), Land Legend and Zardozi (both $12) next.

Vauban was the favourite for last year’s Melbourne Cup, in which he finished a 13.4-length 14th. However, trainer Willie Mullins has shaken up Vauban’s preparation for this year’s race, with his main preparatory run – a brilliant second to the world’s best stayer Kyprios in the Group 1 Irish St Leger – coming a month later than his corresponding run last year.

MELBOURNE CUP MARKET
Odds: Ladbrokes @ 7am
$6.50 Vauban
$7 Buckaroo
$8 Onesmoothoperator
$10 Absurde
$12 Land Legend, Zardozi
$14 Okita Soushi, Sea King
$18 Interpretation
$21 Kovalica
$23 Circle Of Fire, Saint George
$27 Warp Speed
$51 Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Just Fine, The Map
$71 Positivity
$81 Fancy Man, Mostly Cloudy
$91 Valiant King
$101 Trust In You
$151 Knight’s Choice, Manzoice

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

7am: Melbourne Cup tips from 24 experts

Francesca Cumani, Michelle Payne, Corey Brown and a host of form analysts have weighed in with their selections for today’s Melbourne Cup.

Our experts have narrowed the race down to six key chances winning chances, with Vauban most selected. But a host of value chances have also been identified by our experts, who have supplied their top four tips for the race.

Check them out here.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

6.45am: Mark Guest’s tips and analysis for Cup Day

Racenet’s Pro Tips form analyst Mark Guest has Vauban on top in today’s Melbourne, but he’s suggesting punters go wide when it comes to their quaddie selections.

He says Vauban is “weighted to win” today’s race and he’s a big fan of the change to Vauban’s preparation this year, which has seen the horse arrive in Australia much later than he did last year.

Guesty gives a good chance to Buckaroo and he thinks Interpretation – sixth in this race last year – can again run a big race at juicy odds ($18).

Get Guesty’s full race-by-race preview and tips for Cup Day here.

To get access to Guesty’s best bets of the day, simply become a Racenet iQ member and get full access to our Pro Tips section, which brings you daily tips from Racenet’s stable of professional punters. If you want to bet like a Pro, this is how to do it! SUBSCRIBE NOW.

Originally published as 2024 Melbourne Cup Day LIVE updates: Knight’s Choice wins Cup in massive boilover

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/tips/2024-melbourne-cup-day-live-updates-vauban-now-outright-favourite/news-story/f8092413ec26342d8e706f6143ef6178