We compare every Melbourne Cup runner with an athlete from the world of sport.
1 Vauban (FR)
Brian O’Driscoll
Has put together a super résumé in the northern hemisphere but struggled when down under.
2 Buckaroo (GB)
Reece Walsh
He is all class and has put in some super efforts this season. If he finds clear air he’ll be very hard to peg back.
3 Circle Of Fire (GB)
Robert Whittaker
Began the year with a number of impressive wins but he put in a toothless effort at his latest start.
4 Warp Speed (JPN)
Shohei Ohtani
Japanese superstar who has the ability to knock his competitors out of the park.
5 Kovalica (NZ)
Liam Lawson
He finally gets his chance in the big dance. Has a ton of speed and it wouldn’t surprise if he gave the middle finger to anyone who impeded his way.
6 Sharp ‘n’ Smart (NZ)
Israel Adesanya
Started off his career on fire and very quickly rose to the top. Has struggled since then but has shown signs of a return to his best.
7 Just Fine (IRE)
Nick Cummins
Will have a huge cult following cheering him on and his tenacious manner should have him in the top half of the field.
8 Land Legend (FR)
Forest Gump
Doesn’t know the meaning of surrender. Will run all day long.
9 Absurde (FR)
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Is more than capable over the sticks as he is on the flat. Can be slightly precocious but on his day is very hard to beat.
10 Athabascan (FR)
Leon Marchand
Oozes talent and has a battle-hardened determination. However, he does his best work in the wet.
11 Knight’s Choice
Andrew Gee
Has done his best work north of Tweed Heads and will give it everything he’s got.
12 Okita Soushi (IRE)
James Graham
British warrior who now plys his trade in Australia. Possesses a huge motor.
13 Onesmoothoperator (USA)
Ellery Hanley
Has transferred his outstanding form in the British Isles to the land down under. He will fight like a tiger all the way down the long Flemington straight.
14 Zardozi
Jessica Fox
Has been super impressive this year. Any water on the day won’t worry her.
15 Sea King (GB)
Jonny Wilkinson
English topliner who has already performed with distinction in Australia. Could drop this field at the drop of a hat and kick on for the major prize.
16 Valiant King (GB)
Gary Neville
Is honest as the day is long and he will give it 110%. Might lack that x-factor to match it with the superstars.
17 Fancy Man (IRE)
Steven Bradbury
Would need most of the field to fall over to have any chance here.
18 Interpretation (IRE)
Tim Cahill
Remarkable athlete who unfortunately has been unable to win the big one, through no fault of his own.
19 Manzoice
Devon Conway
Started his career with a hiss and a roar but has struggled in recent times.
20 Mostly Cloudy (IRE)
Nick Kyrios
Has shown a heap of ability during his career without really kicking on.
21 Positivity (NZ)
Lulu Sun
She’s at the beginning of what promises to be a glittering career, although on her recent form she would need to lift.
22 Saint George
Victor Radley
English import who is tough as nails and can stick with the best of them.
23 The Map
RayGun
She hasn’t really done a lot since qualifying and she’ll need some pretty fancy footwork to trouble this lot.
24 Trust In You (NZ)
Finn Butcher
Not a lot of form against quality international competition and he’ll likely have to navigate a pathway through the field to win.