Outright favourite confirmed as Melbourne Cup barriers locked in
The final field and barriers have been confirmed for this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup and it’s tough news for one leading overseas hope.
James J Braddock, who was among the betting favourites before Saturday night’s draw, will jump out of the widest gate in barrier 24.
James J Braddock (Joseph O’Brien/Craig Williams): Lightly-raced gelding having his first Australian start and brings a solid career record to the Cup, with two wins and three placings from eight starts. The four-year-old presents as a good chance and Willow in the saddle can’t hurt either. Getty Images
On the flip-side, the Ciaron Maher-trained Middle Earth has drawn barrier one and will come from the inside gate at Flemington over the 3200m trip.
Point Of Law, who rocketed into favouritism after winning the Geelong Cup, has drawn nicely in barrier nine for the race that stops the nation.
The lightly-raced stallion, who joined the Maher camp recently, has now been installed as outright $6 favourite with bookmakers after the draw.
Local hopes Juja Kibo (14) and Mr Monaco (16) drew in midfield, while the in-form So You Are drew barrier seven after earning a late inclusion.
Knight’s Choice, who won the famous race two years ago, drew barrier two.
Here’s the full field and barriers for the 2026 Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Cup final field and barrier draw
- 1. Sons And Lovers (3) - Joseph O’Brien - Dylan Browne McMonagle - 57kg
- 2. Trustyourinstinct (18) - Joseph O’Brien - James McDonald - 57kg
- 3. Knight’s Choice (2) - J Symons & S Laxon - Robbie Dolan - 56.5kg
- 4. Middle Earth (1) - Ciaron Maher - Mark Zahra - 56.5kg
- 5. Vauban (22) - G Waterhouse & A Bott - Jordan Childs - 56.5kg
- 6. Enfjaar (8) - Roger Varian - Ray Dawson - 56kg
- 7. Royal Supremacy (21) - Ciaron Maher - Ben Allen - 56kg
- 8. Wine Dark Sea (23) - Harry Charlton - Damian Lane - 56kg
- 9. Asterix (6) - Chris Waller - Jye McNeil - 55kg
- 10. Goodie Two Shoes (19) - Joseph O’Brien - Wayne Lordan - 55kg
- 11. Juja Kibo (14) - Ciaron Maher - Sam Clipperton - 55kg
- 12. Hopewell Rock (15) - George Boughey - Zac Lloyd - 54.5kg
- 13. Onesmoothoperator (13) - Tim Fitzsimmons - Declan Bates - 54.5kg
- 14. Soul Of Spain (5) - Chris Waller - Tommy Berry - 54.5kg
- 15. Zahrann (11) - Ciaron Maher - Ben Melham - 54.5kg
- 16. So You Are (7) - Bjorn Baker - Rachel King - 54kg
- 17. Future History (12) - Greg Hickman - Jamie Melham - 53.5kg
- 18. James J Braddock (24) - Joseph O’Brien - Craig Williams - 53.5kg
- 19. Kizlyar (20) - Joseph O’Brien - Beau Mertens - 53.5kg
- 20. Point Of Law (9) - Ciaron Maher - Ethan Brown - 53kg
- 21. Strictly Business (4) - Thomas Carberry - Mick Dee - 53kg
- 22. Mr Monaco (16) - Ciaron Maher - Jabez Johnstone - 52.5kg
- 23. Zakouma (10) - Grahame Begg - William Pike - 52kg
- 24. Shockletz (17) - Ciaron Maher - Harry Coffey - 51kg
