Nine personalities share their top chances to win the Melbourne Cup
The Lexus Melbourne Cup has produced a red hot field and there's so many ways you can pick a winner.
From the numbers on the saddle cloth (that's how cricket legend Mark Taylor does it - see below), to the colours of the silks, or for the more serious punters, poring over formguides, like this one by Simon O'Donnell or this one by Michelle Payne, and going back over vision of key preparation runs.
There are also some wacky statistical formulas out there that some rusted on punters fall back on every year.
LIVE COVERAGE: Melbourne Cup day races
READ MORE: Mug's guide to picking Cup winner
READ MORE: Simon O'Donnell's Melbourne Cup formguide
Another option is to follow the whims of one of your favourite TV personalities. This year, with the Melbourne Cup Carnival broadcast by Nine, the company's sports, racing and news journalists, presenters and commentators have taken a keen interest in Cup day.
James Bracey, Eddie McGuire, Francesca Cumani, Billy Slater and Nicole Slater attend the unveiling of Channel 9 Birdcage Marquee at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse on October 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images) Getty
So if you're still stuck for a tip or you've drawn a horse in your office sweep and want to get an idea of its chances, we've surveyed Nine talent to find out who they're backing and why.
Scroll below to see who the likes of Eddie McGuire, Billy Slater and racing journalist Grace Ramage are backing in the race that stops the nation.
WWOS Melbourne Cup presenter Eddie McGuire
Vauban - Better preparation this year. Best horse in it, only query is the distance and the hard track. Ready to win.
Absurde - This horse can run the distance. Jockey Kerrin McEvoy could become the equal most successful Cup jockey with four so he certainly knows how to ride for the Cup.
Zardozi - James Cummings has given the Oaks winning mare a "Bart" like preparation with an eye-catching run on Saturday. It's the Cup and it's trained by a Cummings!
Okita Soushi - Ciaron Maher trained with Jamie Kah on board. The headline grabbing Kah's carnival could end on a huge win before her 10 race suspension kicks in. In great form with her Penfolds Victoria Derby and Damien Oliver rides on Saturday. Maher the local training star. Won the Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500.
Buckaroo - Great run for second place in the Caulfield Cup. The master trainer Chris Waller said Buckaroo was "frisky" and "pig rooting" at gallops on Monday a sign the horse is "up". A lot to like with the magic man Joao Moreira who hopefully has learnt from past rides in the Cup.
Watch the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival on Nine and 9Now!
WWOS presenter Roz Kelly
Onesmoothoperator
Vauban
Okita Soushi
Interpretation
NRL legend and WWOS commentator Billy Slater
Onesmoothoperator
Impressed winning the Geelong Cup and the ultimate professional on board in Craig Williams. Flemington seems to be playing favourably for the back markers which may suit the Brian Ellison trained runner.
Cricket legend and WWOS commentator Mark Taylor
I just follow my favourite numbers - 2 (Buckaroo), 4 (Warp Speed), 22 (Saint George) and 24 (Trust In You).
NRL legend and WWOS commentator Brad Fittler
Buckaroo
Canaan
Absurde
Interpretation
João Moreira riding Buckaroo is seen ahead of race 9 the Caulfield Cup. Getty
NRL legend and WWOS commentator Darren Lockyer
14 (Zardozi), 2 (Buckaroo), 18 (Interpretation), 13 (Onesmoothoperator) in that order.
AFL legend and 9News Perth presenter Matthew Pavlich
Buckaroo
Onesmoothoperator
Zardozi
Absurde
WWOS commentator Mat Thompson
Sea King
Okita Soushi
Absurde
Vauban
Horse racing journalist Grace Ramage
Vauban
Land Legend
Okita Soushi
Onesmoothoperator
Vauban is back from Ireland for his second attempt at Cup glory. Combining the strength of his recent international form and the way connections have learned from last year's experience, he looks the one to beat.
READ MORE: Full prize money breakdown for the 2024 Melbourne Cup
William Buick riding Vauban in The Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes at York Racecourse. Getty
9News Melbourne's Clint Stanaway
Okita Sushi
Zardozi
Vauban
Buckaroo
With Jamie Kah taking the ride, Okita Sushi is the one to watch. She's fearless and clearly in top form off the back of a win in the Derby. Zardozi could also produce a big win for James Cummings. Beautifully drawn and very handy.
9News Melbourne presenter Tom Steinfort
Buckaroo
Interpretation
Vauban
Zardozi
9News Melbourne Sports presenter Tony Jones
Onesmoothoperator - The win in the Geelong Cup was outstanding... and with jockey Craig Williams onboard, what could go wrong? Unfortunately, plenty has gone wrong for UK trainer Brian Ellison in previous Melbourne Cup campaigns. He's primed to have a change of fortune.
4BC WWOS Presenter - Peter Psaltis
Absurde - astute trainer and jockey, has amassed a heap in career earnings, very impressive winning in Chester last start.
Vauban - just like a beaten grand finalist, you have to lose one, to win one. Will be much better for experiencing last years race.
Buckaroo - Waller and the Magic Man combining, could be the best horse in the race.
Kovalica - last won 1000 years ago but you never know!
4BC Breakfast Presenter - Peter Fegan
Absurde - love Kerrin McEvoy
Bukaroo - because Allan Langer backed it
Sharp 'N' Smart - my roughie
Just Fine - Gai Waterhouse trained, what more can I say
9News Queensland Sport Presenter - Jonathan Uptin
Zardozi - Basing it on the way she finished the Empire Rose. That distance didn't suit, but her finish was eye-catching after being well back early - barrier 4 is a massive help
Vauban - Super impressed with his last start - finished the race strongly and is proven over the distance
Land Legend - Seems to be ready for this trip, the 3200m. Barrier 18 is a slight concern, but should be hitting the line well.
5. Kovalica - My Queensland bias coming into play - finds it hard to win, but won the Qld Derby last year and is owned by Queenslanders - and while the imports get all the headlines, he could be flying under the radar. Got to have a roughie in the first four - and he's my best
9News Queensland Weather Presenter - Garry Youngberry
Vauban - Genuine stayer ran in this last year but in better form this year. One of the favourites.
Buckaroo - One of the best in the race. Just needs a little luck from the wide barrier.
Onesmoothoperator - In form and extra distance will suit. One of the best Cup jockeys onboard with Craig Williams.
Sea King - Won its last start by four lengths and should have an easy run from barrier one. Also only carrying 50.5kg.
4BC Mornings Presenter - Bill McDonald
Absurde .... On the eve of the Trump-Harris US Presidential election it has to be an omen bet doesn't it! Certainly sums up the entire campaign. On track, a proven stayer that finished seventh last year and can run all day. If settled he can salute at the end. Not sure I can say the same for Donald Trump - the settled bit anyway!
9News Perth presenter Monika Kos
Onesmoothoperator - Remains cool and confident despite taking a tumble in the water during beach work on the eve of the race.. reckon Craig Williams could get it over the line first.
Sea King - Simply have to back one of the four female jockeys.. so it'll be overseas rider Hollie Doyle on Sea King.
Circle Of Fire - Also have to support a WA jockey and we'd love to see Mark Zahra make it a hat-trick of Cup wins on the back of Circle of Fire.
The Map - One of only four runners that are Aussie bred and ridden by another female, Rachel King.