Melbourne Cup 2025: Al Riffa, Valiant King, among top 5 contenders for the “race that stops a nation” at Flemington

Al Riffa - (Joseph O’Brien - Ireland)

Al Riffa has been considered a class act for a while now and will now look to solidify that status at the Melbourne Cup this week. Joseph O’Brien needs no introduction and has the five-year-old in top shape, highlighted by a commanding victory in the Irish St Leger. 

He is also proven at the G1 level, adaptable to varying surfaces, and bred to enjoy the longer trip. The glaring concern is that he is carrying top weight, but O’Brien knows how to get them ready, having done so with Rekindling and Twilight Payment in 2017 and 2020, respectively. 

This is one that you simply cannot leave out of any bets in this weekend’s big race. 

Half Yours - (Tony and Calvin McEvoy - Australia)

Following his impressive Caulfield Cup victory, Half Yours carries home-grown hopes of winning the Melbourne Cup this year. Tony and Calvin McEvoy have said that they are "delighted with his preparation", and they could not have asked for a much better draw (8) or weight (53 kg). 

Jamie Melham retains the ride after steering Half Yours to the Caulfield Cup triumph, which is another tick in the right box. Perhaps the only factor to consider is history being against them, as no betting odds favourite has won this race in the past decade. 

Still, being a local horse, Half Yours could be a big runner, especially considering the wet weather expected at Flemington this week. 

Check out our sports predictions

Valiant King - (Chris Waller - Australia) 

Chris Waller has two big runners in the Melbourne Cup, but Valiant King looks like the major threat given the weights. Since arriving Down Under from Joseph O’Brien’s yard in Ireland, this son of Roaring Lion has gone from strength to strength, especially after being fitted with blinkers. 

Valiant King has a good draw (10) and proved his staying ability at the Caulfield Cup, where he ran a solid third. Since then, he has had more time to adapt to Australian conditions, and Waller is one of the best in the business at getting his runners to their peak come big race days. 

Given his blend of tactical speed and resilience, it would not surprise us in the least to see Valiant King as a major player in the closing stages. 

Buckaroo - (Chris Waller - Australia)

The second Chris Waller runner that we’re looking forward to seeing in Buckaroo, who will be aiming to right the wrongs from last year’s Melbourne Cup, where he went off as one of the favourites with most of the best online betting sites, but failed to finish in the places. 

He has produced a few notable performances this year, including a narrow defeat in the Cox Plate last time out, and his experience at the top level and proven ability over the distance make him a genuine threat if he can put it all together come race day. 

At around 9/1, Buckaroo could be among the best each-way picks at Flemington on Tuesday. 

View our racing betting guide

Absurde - (Willie Mullins - Ireland) 

As far as outsiders go, Willie Mullins’ Absurde at 20/1 and better could be one to watch in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, having finished seventh and fifth in the last two renewals, and now hoping third time is the charm. He will jump from barrier four, which has produced several winners over the years. 

Absurde’s staying ability is well-documented, and carrying 53.5kg is another significant benefit. Given that he enjoys softer ground, which is what we are expecting at Flemington on Tuesday, combined with his recent form in Europe and Australia, there is a case to be made that he is peaking at the perfect time. 

Mullins’ recent triumph at the Breeders' Cup underlines his growing reputation, and Absurde could easily add another feather to his cap. 

Melbourne Cup 2025: Field and Jockeys 

More sports news