The best Australian and international stayers will do battle today with the annual Caulfield Cup to reveal the top contenders and bolters for the Melbourne Cup.
The Caulfield Cup, established in 1879, is a Group 1 handicap race over a testing 2400 meters, crucial for assessing contenders for the Melbourne Cup.
This race has a storied history, with past winners like Might And Power and Verry Elleegant etching their names into the history books.
This year’s race features local hope Zardozi, a mare proven over the distance and carrying a light weight, and international challengers such as Buckaroo, a classy ex-European stayer, and Eliyass, a French import with a strong record.
The Japanese entry, Warp Speed, has also attracted attention as a stayer with potential.
Prepare for the Melbourne Cup with our comprehensive form guide and viewing information for the Caulfield Cup with all the information you need to pick your winner – or winning trifecta.
There will be plenty of glitz and glamour off the track as well at the annual Caulfield Cup
2024 Caulfield Cup Form Guide
1. Kalapour (4)
Jockey: Ben Melham
Trainer: Kris Lees
Odds: $101.00
Hopes: A seasoned stayer with a good track record at 2400m, but needs to overcome recent lackluster performances.
Buckaroo bolts clear at the Henley Homes Underwood Stakes ahead of the Caulfield Cup
2. Buckaroo (8)
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Trainer: Chris Waller
Odds: $4.20
Hopes: A classy ex-European stayer in excellent form, aiming to prove himself beyond 1800m.
3. Circle Of Fire (13)
Jockey: John Allen
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Odds: $41.00
Hopes: Aiming for peak performance at the Melbourne Cup, but may find this race too short.
4. Warp Speed (19)
Jockey: Akira Sugawara
Trainer: Noboru Takagi
Odds: $23.00
Hopes: A tough Japanese contender better suited to longer distances, looking to make an impact.
5. Huetor (7)
Jockey: Luke Currie
Trainer: Peter Snowden
Odds: $51.00
Hopes: Needs to recapture his dual Doomben Cup winning form to compete here.
6. Warmonger (16)
Jockey: Michael Dee
Trainer: Mick Price & Michael Kent
Odds: $15.00
Hopes: Talented stayer seeking to rebound from a disappointing last outing.
Tim Clark riding Eliyass wins the James Squire Kingston Town Stakes during the Sydney Surf To Turf Day
7. Eliyass (21)
Jockey: Tim Clark
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Odds: $6.00
Hopes: A well-regarded import with a strong track record, but untested beyond 2000m.
8. Land Legend (1)
Jockey: Zac Purton
Trainer: Chris Waller
Odds: $8.50
Hopes: A genuine stayer with a recent Group 1 victory, although barrier 1 could pose challenges.
9. Young Werther (10)
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Trainer: Danny O’Brien
Odds: $19.00
Hopes: Veteran with solid form, but faces a distance challenge in this contest.
10. Duke De Sessa (6)
Jockey: Harry Coffey
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Odds: $21.00
Hopes: Consistent performer seeking the edge to secure a win.
11. Knight’s Choice (14)
Jockey: Robbie Dolan
Trainer: J & S Symons & Laxon
Odds: $201.00
Hopes: Longshot with a light weight, but faces an uphill battle with recent poor form.
12. Muramasa (5)
Jockey: Daniel Moor
Trainer: T & N Busuttin & Y
Odds: $26.00
Hopes: Promising stayer with a light weight, but needs to prove himself at this level.
Zardozi from the James Cummings stable will be the pick of the domestic horses in the cup
13. Zardozi (12)
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Trainer: James Cummings
Odds: $7.00
Hopes: Quality mare with a proven record at this distance, benefiting from a light weight.
14. Coco Sun (20)
Jockey: Karis Teetan
Trainer: T & C McEvoy
Odds: $26.00
Hopes: Potential-packed mare facing a tough draw but capable of a strong finish.
15. Deny Knowledge (17)
Jockey: Craig Newitt
Trainer: A & S Freedman
Odds: $9.00
Hopes: Recent Group 1 winner requiring some racing luck from a wide barrier.
16. Valiant King (18)
Jockey: Teodore Nugent
Trainer: Chris Waller
Odds: $51.00
Hopes: Grey stayer carrying a light weight, but yet to showcase inspiring form.
17. Positivity (9)
Jockey: Winona Costin
Trainer: Andrew Forsman
Odds: $31.00
Hopes: Talented mare with a solid record, though dropping back in distance could be a challenge.
English raider Sayedaty Sadaty gets in some track work ahead of the big race at Caulfield Racecourse
18. Sayedaty Sadaty (2)
Jockey: Ben Thompson
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Odds: $12.00
Hopes: Lightly-raced import with impressive UK credentials, but untested on local tracks.
Weather Conditions
Race day at the 2024 Caulfield Cup is expected to be mostly fine, 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 closer to the event. The track conditions are anticipated to be good, providing an ideal surface for competitors.
Race Time Across Australia
Here’s when you can catch the main race, the Caulfield Cup, across different Australian states:
- Victoria (VIC): 5:15 PM AEDT
- New South Wales (NSW): 5:15 PM AEDT
- Queensland (QLD): 4:15 PM AEST
- South Australia (SA): 4:45 PM ACDT
- Western Australia (WA): 2:15 PM AWST
- Tasmania (TAS): 5:15 PM 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 various 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 preferring to stream the race, Racing.com offers live streaming via their website and app. Additionally, Channel 7’s 7plus app provides streaming services, ensuring you can catch the action on the go.
Radio: Tune into RSN 927 for live radio coverage, offering race updates and commentary to keep you informed wherever you are.