Spring has arrived, bringing warm air and the fragrance of Flemington roses. It’s the first Tuesday of November, marking the day of the Melbourne Cup, held on the iconic 3200-meter track.
Here are the latest TAB fixed odds as of 2:30 pm AEDT on November 4, 2025 (check tab.com.au for updates):
Race 7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) – 3pm
1. AL RIFFA (Odds: $8.50) has strong form in Ireland but is untested in Australia. Jockey Mark Zahra will ride, offering a good chance, though the past shows caution.
2. Buckaroo (GB) (Odds: $12) recently finished a close second in the Cox Plate over 2040m but had a disappointing Caulfield Stakes. With Craig Williams aboard, he remains a contender despite last year’s ninth place.
3. Arapaho (Odds: $34) won at this distance before but recent results include an 8th in the Bendigo Cup and 15th at Randwick’s Metrop. Rain won’t affect his performance much.
4. VAUBAN (Odds: $21) placed 5th in the Randwick Metrop but was 13th in the Caulfield Cup. Jockey Blake Singh takes the reins again after previous Cup attempts.
5. Chevalier Rose (Odds: $51) is a Japanese entrant arriving fresh from a break, with promising form suited to dry conditions.
6. PRESAGE NOCTURNE (Odds: $7) is a top favorite, showing promise with a solid Caulfield Cup finish and strong overseas form, expected to excel at 3200m.
7. Middle Earth (Odds: $19) showed moderate performances recently; distance suitability is questionable despite decent strike rates.
8. Maidaan (Odds: $23) finished 9th at Caulfield, with James MacDonald as the jockey, and will start from Barrier 22.
9. ABSURDE (Odds: $19) aims to improve on last year’s fifth place, coming off a break with recent form showing some potential.
10. Flatten the Curve (Odds: $21) is a French competitor with a past win, currently quarantined in Werribee; German jockey Tor Hammer Hansen will ride.
11. LAND LEGEND (Odds: $51) has mixed results and few wins, but consistency is noted; reminiscent of a past unexpected winner.
12. SMOKIN’ ROMANS (Odds: $41) is an older horse with decent past placements but may struggle over 3200m.
13. Changing the Guard (Odds: $51) has inconsistent form and limited appeal for bettors.
14. Half Yours (Odds: $8) won the Caulfield Cup and is a favorite, with jockey Jamie Melham seeking historic victory as the first woman to double major wins.
15. Further Felony (Odds: $41) placed fourth in recent starts but may be outclassed in this event.
16. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (Odds: $34) won the Moonee Valley Cup recently and could surprise with a solid finish.
17. FURTHUR (Odds: $41) is an inexperienced Irish entrant facing a tough debut in Australia.
18. Parchment Party (Odds: $31) is an American runner with limited local experience, known for dirt track wins.
19. Athabaskan (Odds: $61) showed potential but inconsistent recent performances make betting risky.
20. Goody Two Shoes (Odds: $31) returns after a break with a strong strike rate, needing special capability for this demanding race.
21. River of Stars (Odds: $19) recently placed second in Caulfield Cup, with stamina a concern.
22. Royal Supremacy (Odds: $31) had solid recent performances but questions remain on endurance for 3200m.
23. TORRANZINO (Odds: $31) recently won the Geelong Cup; good form and light racing weight give it a fighting chance.
24. Brave King (Odds: $10) is a lighter weight runner with a strong finish in the Caulfield Cup, aiming to continue a winning streak.
Fan Take: This detailed rundown of contenders offers horse racing fans valuable insights into their favorite horses’ form, chances, and challenges at the Melbourne Cup. The diversity of competitors from different countries and backgrounds highlights the race’s global appeal and the suspense that keeps fans eagerly watching this iconic sporting event.
