Top Australian and international entrants will battle it out today in the annual Caulfield Cup to reveal the Melbourne Cup’s top contenders and players.
The Caulfield Cup, established in 1879, is a Group 1 handicap race over a 2400 meter event, crucial in evaluating Melbourne Cup contenders.
This race has a storied history, with previous winners like Might And Power and Verry Elleegant etching their names in the history books.
This year’s race features local hope Zardozi, a distance-proven, lightweight mare, and international challengers such as Buckaroo, a stylish ex-European, and Eliyass, a French import with a strong track record.
Japanese entry Warp Speed has also drawn attention as a permanence with potential.
Prepare for the Melbourne Cup with our comprehensive form guide and view the Caulfield Cup information with all the information you need to pick your winner or winning trifecta.
There will also be plenty of glitz and glamor off the track at the annual Caulfield Cup.
Caulfield Cup 2024 Form Guide
1. Kalapur (4)
Rider: Ben Melham
Coach: Kris Lees
Fees: $101.00
Hopes: An experienced player with a good record at 2400m, but who needs to overcome recent mediocre performances.
Buckaroo pulls away in Henley Homes Underwood Stakes ahead of Caulfield Cup
2. Buckaroo (8)
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Coach: Chris Waller
Fees: $4.20
Hopes: A former European with class and in excellent shape, with the aim of proving his worth beyond 1,800 m.
3. Circle of fire (13)
Rider: John Allen
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Fees: $41.00
Hopes: Aim for top performance in the Melbourne Cup, but this race may seem too short.
4. Warp speed (19)
Rider: Akira Sugawara
Coach: Noboru Takagi
Fees: $23.00
Hopes: A tough Japanese contender better suited to longer distances and looking to make an impact.
5. Huétor (7)
Rider: Luke Currie
Coach: Peter Snowden
Fees: $51.00
Hopes: Needs to regain his two-time Doomben Cup winning form to compete here.
6. Warmonger (16)
Rider: Michael Dee
Coach: Mick Price and Michael Kent
Fees: $15.00
Hopes: A talented player looking to bounce back from a disappointing last outing.
Tim Clark riding Eliyass wins the James Squire Kingston Town Stakes during Sydney Surf To Turf Day
7. Elijah (21)
Rider: Tim Clark
Coach: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Fees: $6.00
Hopes: A well-regarded import with a solid track record, but unproven beyond 2000m.
8. Legend of the land (1)
Rider: Zac Purton
Coach: Chris Waller
Fees: $8.50
Hopes: A true permanent with a recent win in Group 1, although Barrier 1 could pose challenges.
9. Young Werther (10)
Rider: Jye McNeil
Coach: Danny O’Brien
Fees: $19.00
Hopes: Veteran in solid form, but faces a distance challenge in this contest.
10. Duke of Sessa (6)
Rider: Harry Coffey
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Fees: $21.00
Hopes: Consistent player who seeks the advantage to secure a victory.
11. Knight’s Choice (14)
Rider: Robbie Dolan
Coach: J & S Symons & Laxon
Fees: $201.00
Hopes: A risky bet at lightweight, but faces an uphill battle due to recent poor form.
12. Muramasa (5)
Rider: Daniel Moor
Coach: T & N Busuttin & Y
Fees: $26.00
Hopes: He promises to stay a lightweight, but needs to prove himself at this level.
Zardozi from James Cummings’ stable will be the chosen one of the national horses in the cup
13. Zardozi (12)
Rider: Andrea Atzeni
Coach: James Cummings
Fees: $7.00
Hopes: Quality mare with a proven track record at this distance, benefiting from a light weight.
14. Coco Sun (20)
Rider: Karis Teetan
Coach: T&C McEvoy
Fees: $26.00
Hopes: Mare full of potential that faces a difficult situation but capable of achieving a strong finish.
15. Denying knowledge (17)
Rider: Craig Newitt
Coach: A&S Freedman
Fees: $9.00
Hopes: Recent Group 1 winner requires some luck racing from a wide barrier.
16. Brave King (18)
Rider: Teodoro Nugent
Coach: Chris Waller
Fees: $51.00
Hopes: Gray stayer with a light weight, but still not showing an inspiring shape.
17. Positivity (9)
Rider: Winona Costin
Coach: Andrew Forsman
Fees: $31.00
Hopes: Talented mare with a solid track record, although losing distance could be a challenge.
English raider Sayedaty Sadaty works on the track before the big race at Caulfield Racecourse
18. Sayedaty Sadaty (2)
Rider: Ben Thompson
Coach: Ciaron Maher
Fees: $12.00
Hopes: Light racing import with impressive UK credentials, but untested on local tracks.
Climatic conditions
Race day at the 2024 Caulfield Cup is expected to be mostly pleasant, with only a slight chance of rain on Friday, which should not significantly affect the track. However, given Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, it’s always wise to keep an eye on the forecast as the event approaches. Track conditions are expected to be good, providing an ideal surface for competitors.
Race time around Australia
Here’s when you can watch the main race, the Caulfield Cup, in different Australian states:
- Victory (VIC): 17:15 AEDT
- New South Wales (NSW): 5:15 pm AEDT
- Queensland (QLD): 4:15pm AEST
- South Australia (SA): 4:45 pm ACDT
- Western Australia (WA): 2:15 pm AWST
- Tasmania (TAS): 5:15pm AEDT
- Northern Territory (NT): 3:45 pm ACST
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 5:15 pm AEDT
How to watch
The 2024 Caulfield Cup can be enjoyed through several viewing options:
Television: The race will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Racing.com and Sky Racing, providing comprehensive coverage and expert analysis.
Streaming: For those who prefer to stream the race, Racing.com offers live streaming through its website and app. Additionally, Channel 7’s 7plus app provides streaming services, ensuring you can watch the action on the go.
Radio: Tune into RSN 927 for live radio coverage, offering race updates and commentary to stay informed wherever you are.