Star jockey William Buick is brimming with confidence for his ride on Vauban, the clear favorite for Tuesday’s $8.5 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington. In contrast, leading trainer Chris Waller remains calm despite his top hope, Buckaroo, receiving a tough barrier draw. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between international stars and local heroes in one of the world’s most famous horse races.
Waller Puts Faith in Moreira for Buckaroo
Chris Waller, who trained 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant, is not worried about Buckaroo starting from the wide barrier 21. He believes the 3200-meter race at Flemington provides every horse with a fair chance to win, regardless of their starting position.
Waller is placing his trust in jockey Joao Moreira, known as “The Magic Man,” to navigate the tricky draw. Buckaroo recently proved his class with a strong second-place finish in the Caulfield Cup, showing he has the stamina for a tough race.
Waller’s team is the largest in the field, with five horses competing for the coveted prize. “Barrier draws are a talking point pre-race, but post-race they’re rarely discussed,” Waller commented, dismissing concerns over Buckaroo’s starting gate.
Chris Waller’s 2024 Melbourne Cup Contenders
| Horse | Key Information | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Buckaroo | Top contender, second in the Caulfield Cup. | $7 |
| Land Legend | Winner of The Metropolitan handicap. | Not Specified |
| Kovalica | Brings unique strengths to the field. | Not Specified |
| Manzoice | Another strong entry from the Waller stable. | Not Specified |
| Valiant King | Considered a genuine two-miler and a dark horse. | $101 |
Buick Confident in a Transformed Vauban
The spotlight is firmly on jockey William Buick and the favorite, Vauban. Trained by Irish master Willie Mullins, Vauban competed in last year’s Melbourne Cup but failed to make an impact. However, Buick insists the horse is a completely different animal this time around.
“He’s a high-class horse, and for whatever reason, he didn’t show his best in last year’s Cup,” Buick said. “This year, he’s a different horse.” Vauban arrives in Australia in top form after impressive wins in the UK and Ireland, proving he is ready for the grueling two-mile journey.
Buick believes Vauban has all the necessary tools to win the great race. “He has that tactical speed to get into position, and he finishes strong. In my experience, that ticks a lot of boxes for the Melbourne Cup,” he explained.
Clash of the Titans: Maher and Waller Face Off
While Vauban is the favorite, the race features incredible depth, with powerful stables bringing multiple chances. Chris Waller’s five runners are a testament to his dominance, but rival trainer Ciaron Maher is close behind with a strong team of four.
Maher, who won last year’s Cup with Gold Trip, is looking for back-to-back victories. His team is headlined by several top-class stayers who could challenge for the win.
- Okita Soushi: Fresh off a win in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, this horse will be ridden by star jockey Jamie Kah.
- Circle Of Fire: A Sydney Cup winner, he will be partnered with jockey Mark Zahra, who is chasing an incredible third consecutive Melbourne Cup victory.
- Gold Trip: The defending champion returns to try and make it two in a row.
- Without A Fight: Another of Maher’s runners who has shown strong form.
The battle between the Waller and Maher stables adds another layer of excitement to what is already a highly anticipated race. Both trainers know what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
Record-Breaking Field and International Intrigue
This year’s Melbourne Cup is not just about the favorites; it is also a historic event for female jockeys. A record number of four female riders will compete, including Jamie Kah (Okita Soushi), Hollie Doyle (Sea King), Winona Costin (Positivity), and Rachel King (The Map).
The international contingent remains a major threat. Trainer Willie Mullins has a second runner, Absurde, who will be ridden by three-time Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy. A victory for McEvoy would put him in elite company, tying him with legends Harry White and Bobbie Lewis for the most Melbourne Cup wins by a jockey.
As the “race that stops a nation” approaches, the storylines are as compelling as the competition. Whether a favorite delivers, an underdog causes a shock, or history is made, the 2024 Melbourne Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favorite to win the Melbourne Cup?
The current favorite is Vauban, an Irish-trained horse ridden by William Buick. He is priced at $6.50 and comes into the race with strong international form.
Which trainer has the most horses in the race?
Chris Waller has the largest team with five runners competing in the Melbourne Cup. His contenders include Buckaroo, Land Legend, Kovalica, Manzoice, and Valiant King.
Is Buckaroo’s wide barrier draw a major problem?
While a wide barrier like 21 can be challenging, trainer Chris Waller is not concerned. He believes in the skill of jockey Joao Moreira and the fairness of the 3200-meter race at Flemington to overcome the draw.
Which jockeys are trying to make history this year?
Mark Zahra is aiming for his third consecutive Melbourne Cup win, while Kerrin McEvoy is hoping to win his fourth Cup, which would equal the all-time record. The race also features a record four female jockeys.
What makes Vauban a better chance this year compared to last year?
According to jockey William Buick, Vauban is a “different horse” this year. He is in much better form, with recent wins in Europe, and is believed to have the right combination of speed and stamina for the race.
