Star jockey William Buick is confident heading into Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, expressing high hopes for his mount, Vauban, who has emerged as the favorite in the $8.5 million race at Flemington. Meanwhile, trainer Chris Waller remains unfazed by the challenging barrier draw for Buckaroo, his top contender in a formidable lineup of five runners.
The anticipation around this year’s Melbourne Cup is intense, with a mix of local and international talent vying for one of the most coveted titles in horse racing. Vauban is the current frontrunner at $6.50, while Buckaroo sits close behind at $7 despite drawing an unfavored position in barrier 21.
Waller Confident in Buckaroo Despite Wide Draw
Buckaroo, a son of the well-bred stallion Fastnet Rock, finished second in the recent Caulfield Cup, showcasing his staying power and competitive edge. Chris Waller, who previously claimed Melbourne Cup glory with Verry Elleegant in 2021, is confident that Buckaroo’s barrier draw won’t hold him back. Waller is putting his faith in jockey Joao Moreira, famously known as “The Magic Man,” who has a reputation for pulling off exceptional maneuvers under pressure.
“There’s no fairer race,” Waller remarked on the 3200-meter handicap event. “Barrier draws are a talking point pre-race, but post-race they’re rarely discussed. I’m not too concerned about Buckaroo starting wide.” With Moreira onboard, Waller believes that Buckaroo can capitalize on his strengths and make a strong showing, even from an outside position.
Beyond Buckaroo, Waller’s Melbourne Cup team includes The Metropolitan winner Land Legend, as well as Kovalica and Manzoice, both of whom bring unique strengths to the race. His last entrant, Valiant King, is a bit of an outsider with odds at $101, but Waller sees him as a genuine two-miler and one to watch if stamina becomes a deciding factor. “The Melbourne Cup always brings surprises,” he said. “Favorites don’t always win, and Valiant King has the staying power for this race.”
Buick Sets Sights on Redemption with Vauban
While Waller has a strong contingent, the spotlight remains firmly on Buick and his partnership with Vauban. Trained by Irish master Willie Mullins, the seven-year-old gelding is no stranger to the Melbourne Cup. He competed last year but fell short, finishing in the back half of the field. This year, however, Buick is optimistic about a different outcome.
“He’s a high-class horse, and for whatever reason, he didn’t show his best in last year’s Cup,” Buick shared. “This year, he’s a different horse.” With wins in the UK and Ireland under his belt, Vauban enters the race in prime form and is well-equipped to handle the grueling two-mile distance.
The Irish-trained contender has become a fixture in the Australian racing scene, with Mullins aiming to replicate the success he had with Max Dynamite, who finished on the Melbourne Cup podium in 2015 and 2017. According to Buick, Vauban’s combination of speed, stamina, and tactical positioning makes him an ideal competitor. “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,” Buick noted.
Waller and Maher Lead Strong Fields for Cup Glory
While Buick and Vauban might be the favorites, they’re far from alone in their pursuit of the Cup. Waller’s impressive lineup of five runners is unmatched by any other trainer this year. Rival trainer Ciaron Maher isn’t far behind with four entries, including recent Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Okita Soushi, who will be ridden by Jamie Kah, fresh off her Victoria Derby win. Maher, who last won the Melbourne Cup with Gold Trip in 2022, is hoping to secure a second Cup win to add to his growing list of Group 1 achievements.
In addition to Okita Soushi, Maher’s team features Circle Of Fire, a Sydney Cup winner, with jockey Mark Zahra aiming for his third consecutive Melbourne Cup win. Zahra has built a formidable track record with victories aboard Gold Trip and Without A Fight in the past two Cups, and he’s eager to continue his streak.
As for Waller, he’s been careful not to lean too heavily on any single horse, knowing that each entry brings its unique strengths. For him, Valiant King stands out as a dark horse due to his sheer stamina—a quality Waller believes could make all the difference if the race turns into an endurance test. “Stamina counts in these long races,” Waller commented. “That’s what makes the Melbourne Cup so special—you never know who will cross that line first.”
International Stars and Local Talent Add to Cup Drama
Beyond the favorites and the well-known contenders, this year’s Melbourne Cup will also see the return of some celebrated jockeys and an impressive field of international and local horses. Mullins has entered Absurde, who will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, a three-time Cup winner. A fourth win would place McEvoy alongside legends Harry White and Bobbie Lewis, each of whom holds four Melbourne Cup victories.
This year’s race will also be notable for its record number of female jockeys. Jamie Kah, fresh off her recent win, joins Hollie Doyle (Sea King), Winona Costin (Positivity), and Rachel King (The Map) as part of a group making history. Kah, a trailblazer in Australian racing, has already shown her prowess on the track and now looks to prove her skills on the grand stage of the Melbourne Cup.
Meanwhile, among the foreign challengers, Absurde could be a surprise under Mullins’ guidance, especially with McEvoy in the saddle. As Maher pointed out, Mullins has had success in Australia before, and his runners often adapt well to the unique demands of the Melbourne Cup.
Final Countdown to the Cup
With the Melbourne Cup just around the corner, all eyes are on Flemington as trainers, jockeys, and horses prepare for the “race that stops a nation.” For Buick, winning with Vauban would be a career-defining moment. For Waller, adding a second Cup to his résumé would further cement his status as one of the sport’s leading trainers. Both men are well-aware of the unpredictable nature of the Melbourne Cup—a race where fortunes can change in seconds and favorites can fall to underdogs.
Whether it’s Buckaroo overcoming his wide draw, Vauban living up to the favorite’s billing, or one of Waller’s other horses taking the victory, the 2024 Melbourne Cup promises drama and excitement until the finish. With a field of elite competitors and storylines to match, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the prized Cup.
