The race that stops a nation.
MELBOURNE CUP TIPS
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JUJA KIBO – SAM CLIPPERTON – CIARON MAHER
Juja Kibo is a very interesting runner for trainer Ciaron Maher, as he has won his last two starts. He was previously trained in Ireland by Richard O’Brien and broke his maiden at Ballinrobe in June 2024, ridden by now-champion jockey Billy Lee. He had been in and out of form in Australia but has shown he is back to his best of late. He was an eye-catcher in the Asahi Super Dry Kingston Town Stakes (Group 2) (Turf), finishing second to The Euphrates, who was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien. His next start would be a winning one when staying on strongly in the closing stages to see off Aethelwulf at Randwick.
He confirmed the form with the same runner on his next start when he landed the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Group 2), thus gaining his golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup. That race was over a mile and a half, and he will step up in trip further than he has gone before, but there is every chance he can excel over it. He was keen early last time but settled at the back of the field and saw the trip out strongly.
On what he has shown so far, he could be slightly underestimated. It would be quite the story if a Ballinrobe maiden winner could land the Melbourne Cup in the early hours of Tuesday morning. “From Mayo to Melbourne”.
Selection: Juja Kibo (11/1)
ENFJAAR – RAY DAWSON – ROGER VARIAN
A UK raider for the Roger Varian team with Ray Dawson in the saddle. Enfjaar had the perfect prep for this last time when third to Kingswood in the Caulfield Cup. He was prominent from stall one and led inside the final furlong, only to be touched off close home. He is a five-time winner in the UK and impressed when landing the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood on August 1st. Much like Juja Kibo, this will be a step up in trip for him, but if he settles in a handy position early, he could be in the perfect place to strike.
The form of the Caulfield Cup to Melbourne Cup has worked out well in the past, Half Yours (2025), Without A Fight (2023), and Verry Elleegant would win the Caulfield Cup in 2020 but would have to wait until the following year to grab Melbourne Cup glory. Enfjaar will look to add his name to the roll of honour by finishing placed in the Caulfield Cup and winning the Melbourne Cup.
He is quite a big price for what he has shown in the UK and also last time out. If the trip is no issue, he could be one involved in the finish.
Selection: Enfjaar (18/1)
MELBOURNE CUP TIPS
Melbourne Cup 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Melbourne Cup?
The 2026 Melbourne Cup takes place on Tuesday, November 3, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.
What time does the Melbourne Cup start in Ireland and the UK?
The Melbourne Cup is scheduled to start at 4:00am GMT on Tuesday, November 3. The race takes place at 3:00pm local time in Melbourne (AEDT).
What distance is the Melbourne Cup run over?
The Melbourne Cup is run over 3,200 metres (approximately two miles), making it one of the world’s most prestigious staying handicaps.
Where is the Melbourne Cup held?
The race takes place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It has been staged at the famous venue since the inaugural running in 1861.
How many horses run in the Melbourne Cup?
A maximum of 24 horses can compete in the Melbourne Cup. The 2026 final field features 24 runners.
What is the Melbourne Cup prize money?
The 2026 Melbourne Cup has total prize money and trophies valued at $10.2 million AUD, with $4.5 million awarded to the winning connections.
Who won the 2025 Melbourne Cup?
Half Yours won the 2025 Melbourne Cup under jockey Jamie Melham, making her the first female jockey to win both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in the same year.
Where can I watch the Melbourne Cup in Ireland and the UK?
Sky Sports Racing.
Why is the Melbourne Cup known as ‘the race that stops a nation’?
The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia’s biggest sporting events, attracting huge crowds at Flemington and millions of television viewers across the country. It is traditionally held on the first Tuesday in November, with Melbourne Cup Day recognised as a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne.
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