All 24 runners in the 2026 Melbourne Cup, our editorial forecast for the race, and a light-hearted lucky-sign horoscope for all 12 signs.
The 2026 Melbourne Cup is run on Tuesday, 3 November, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, with the race starting at 3:00 pm AEDT over 3,200 metres. Twenty-four horses are in the final field. Below you will find every runner, our editorial forecast for the race, and a light-hearted horoscope for Cup Day for all 12 zodiac signs.
The forecast is our opinion, built from public previews and the market. It is not inside information and it is not a guarantee. The horoscope is for fun only and has nothing to do with the result. This article is for readers aged 18 and over.
Melbourne Cup 2026: the Full List of Runners
The field was confirmed on 31 October. Horses are listed by saddlecloth number, with their barrier, jockey and trainer. Scratchings and jockey changes are possible before the race, so check the official declarations on race day.
| No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sons And Lovers | 3 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph O’Brien |
| 2 | Trustyourinstinct | 18 | James McDonald | Joseph O’Brien |
| 3 | Knight’s Choice | 2 | Robbie Dolan | J. G. Symons and S. Laxon |
| 4 | Middle Earth | 1 | Mark Zahra | Ciaron Maher |
| 5 | Vauban | 22 | Jordan Childs | Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott |
| 6 | Enfjaar | 8 | Ray Dawson | Roger Varian |
| 7 | Royal Supremacy | 21 | Ben Allen | Ciaron Maher |
| 8 | Wine Dark Sea | 23 | Damian Lane | Harry Charlton |
| 9 | Asterix | 6 | Jye McNeil | Chris Waller |
| 10 | Goodie Two Shoes | 19 | Wayne Lordan | Joseph O’Brien |
| 11 | Juja Kibo | 14 | Sam Clipperton | Ciaron Maher |
| 12 | Hopewell Rock | 15 | Zac Lloyd | George Boughey |
| 13 | Onesmoothoperator | 13 | Declan Bates | Tim Fitzsimmons |
| 14 | Soul Of Spain | 5 | Tommy Berry | Chris Waller |
| 15 | Zahrann | 11 | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher |
| 16 | So You Are | 7 | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker |
| 17 | Future History | 12 | Jamie Melham | Gregory Hickman |
| 18 | James J Braddock | 24 | Craig Williams | Joseph O’Brien |
| 19 | Kizlyar | 20 | Beau Mertens | Joseph O’Brien |
| 20 | Point Of Law | 9 | Ethan Brown | Ciaron Maher |
| 21 | Strictly Business | 4 | Dean Yendall* | Thomas Carberry |
| 22 | Mr Monaco | 16 | Jabez Johnstone | Ciaron Maher |
| 23 | Zakouma | 10 | William Pike | Grahame Begg |
| 24 | Shockletz | 17 | Harry Coffey | Ciaron Maher |
*An earlier version of the field listed Michael Dee as the rider of Strictly Business. Check the final declarations.
Two trainers dominate the numbers: Ciaron Maher has eight runners and Joseph O’Brien has six. The market favourite is Point Of Law, with Trustyourinstinct close behind.
Our Editorial Forecast for the 2026 Melbourne Cup
This is our view of how the race may unfold, based on public previews from ESPN and Betsy and on the market. Horse racing is unpredictable, and a 3,200-metre handicap with 24 runners is one of the hardest races in the world to call.
1. Trustyourinstinct (No. 2, barrier 18). The Joseph O’Brien runner won the Curragh Cup and finished fourth in the Irish St Leger. He carries about 57 kg, less than he has carried overseas, and previews say he handles wet and dry ground. James McDonald rides, and the wide draw is not considered a major worry.
2. Point Of Law (No. 20, barrier 9). The favourite won the Geelong Cup and is only having his sixth start. The questions are whether he can stay 3,200 metres and whether he copes with the build-up and the crowd. If he does, he is the horse to beat.
3. Hopewell Rock (No. 12, barrier 15). A lightly raced five-year-old who has rarely missed a place, including a second in the Ebor Handicap. ESPN rates him its top pick, partly because of a favourable weight.
4. Shockletz (No. 24, barrier 17). Strong recent form, a light weight and a liking for Flemington make her a live chance for Ciaron Maher’s stable.
Outsider to note: Kizlyar (No. 19, barrier 20). He won over 4,000 metres at Royal Ascot, so the Cup distance should not trouble him. He is a long price, and he is likely to be on or near the speed.
What could change the picture:
- Rain: wet weather was forecast for Monday, which would favour horses that handle softer ground. Zahrann, for example, is reported not to handle heavy going.
- Scratchings and jockey changes before the race.
- Pace: several horses drawn wide may be pushed forward, so the early tempo could be quick, which tends to help stayers.
- Stamina: 3,200 metres is further than many runners have ever raced.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Horoscope: Your Lucky Sign
The Sun is in Scorpio on Cup Day, a sign of intensity and determination. Here is a playful horoscope for the day. It has no connection to the horses or the result.
| Sign | Dates | Lucky colour | Lucky number | Mood on Cup Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | 21 Mar – 19 Apr | Red | 9 | Bold, first to arrive |
| Taurus | 20 Apr – 20 May | Green | 6 | Settled with good food |
| Gemini | 21 May – 20 Jun | Yellow | 5 | Chatty, on the move |
| Cancer | 21 Jun – 22 Jul | Silver | 2 | Warm, with close friends |
| Leo | 23 Jul – 22 Aug | Gold | 1 | Centre of attention |
| Virgo | 23 Aug – 22 Sep | Navy | 6 | Organised, a step ahead |
| Libra | 23 Sep – 22 Oct | Pink | 7 | Elegant and balanced |
| Scorpio | 23 Oct – 21 Nov | Burgundy | 8 | Intense, season in the spotlight |
| Sagittarius | 22 Nov – 21 Dec | Purple | 3 | Adventurous, up for anything |
| Capricorn | 22 Dec – 19 Jan | Charcoal | 10 | Calm and in control |
| Aquarius | 20 Jan – 18 Feb | Turquoise | 11 | Original, a trendsetter |
| Pisces | 19 Feb – 20 Mar | Sea green | 4 | Dreamy and relaxed |
Sign dates follow the tropical zodiac and can shift by a day in some years.
Aries
A day to be bold. Head out early, claim a good spot and keep your energy for the big moment at 3 pm. Red in an outfit or accessory keeps the spirit up.
Taurus
You enjoy the good things in life, so make Cup Day about food, friends and comfort. Green is your colour, and 6 is your number.
Gemini
You are everywhere and talking to everyone. Keep a plan B for the afternoon, because your day is likely to change course more than once.
Cancer
Stay close to the people you trust. A smaller, warmer gathering suits you better than a crowd. Silver adds a quiet shine.
Leo
You light up a room, so lean into the occasion. Gold, a hat with some drama and a big smile suit the day.
Virgo
You are already organised. Check the start time, the weather and your plans, then enjoy being the calm one in the group. Navy suits you.
Libra
Balance is your gift, in your outfit as well as your plans. Pink brings charm, and 7 is your number.
Scorpio
It is your season, and the Sun is in your sign today. Quietly confident, you do not need to prove anything. Burgundy suits you perfectly.
Sagittarius
Up for an adventure? Say yes to the unexpected invitation. Purple brings luck, and your sense of humour does the rest.
Capricorn
A practical day, not a wild one. Stay in control, keep to your plans and let others make the noise. Charcoal is your colour.
Aquarius
You like to do things your own way, and Cup Day is the perfect stage for a standout look. Turquoise and a touch of originality win.
Pisces
Let the day wash over you. Dream a little, enjoy the music and the atmosphere, and trust your instincts. Sea green is your colour.
Play Responsibly
This article is for readers aged 18 and over. Our forecast is an editorial opinion and a guess, not advice and not a promise, and the horoscope has no influence on the race. If you choose to wager, only spend what you can afford to lose. Free and confidential support is available in Australia from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
FAQ
When is the Melbourne Cup 2026? The Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
What time does the Melbourne Cup start? The race starts at 3:00 pm AEDT (Melbourne time).
How many horses are running in the 2026 Melbourne Cup? Twenty-four horses are in the final field, covering 3,200 metres.
Who is the favourite? Point Of Law is the market favourite, with Trustyourinstinct close behind.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday? It is a public holiday in the state of Victoria only.
Can astrology predict the winner? No. Astrology has no scientific evidence behind it, and the horoscope here is for entertainment only.
Sources
Race day details were checked on 2 November 2026 on Public Holidays and My Sports Tourist. The field, barriers, jockeys and trainers come from Races.com.au and Bets.com.au. Race analysis draws on ESPN and Betsy.