How to pick a winner at Caulfield Cup 2024: Your comprehensive form guide and how to watch the big race

The best Australian and international stayers will compete today in the annual Caulfield Cup to reveal the top contenders and shooters for the Melbourne Cup.

Established in 1879, the Caulfield Cup is a Group 1 handicap race over a test length of 2400 metres, crucial for assessing Melbourne Cup contenders.

This race has a rich history, with past winners such as Might And Power and Verry Elleegant etching their names into the history books.

This year’s race features local hope Zardozi, a proven mare over the distance and carrying a light weight, and international challengers such as Buckaroo, a stylish ex-European stayer, and Eliyass, a French import with a strong record.

The Japanese entry, Warp Speed, has also attracted attention as a keeper 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 also be plenty of glitz and glamor off the track at the annual Caulfield Cup

2024 Caulfield Cup Form Guide

1. Kalapour (4)

Jockey: Ben Melham

Trainer: Kris Lees

Odds: $101.00

Hope: A seasoned stayer with a good track record in the 2400m, but needs to overcome recent poor performances.

Buckaroo shoots clear in the Henley Homes Underwood Stakes ahead of the Caulfield Cup

Buckaroo shoots clear in the Henley Homes Underwood Stakes ahead of the Caulfield Cup

2. Buckaroo (8)

Jockey: Joao Moreira

Coach: Chris Waller

Odds: $4.20

Hope: A stylish ex-European stayer in excellent form, aiming to prove himself beyond 1800 metres.

3. Fire Circle (13)

Jockey: John Allen

Coach: Ciaron Maher

Odds: $41.00

Hope: Aiming for top 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

Hope: A tough Japanese contender who is better suited for longer distances and wants to make an impact.

5. Huetor (7)

Jockey: Luke Currie

Trainer: Peter Snowden

Odds: $51.00

Hope: Needs to recapture his double Doomben Cup-winning form to compete here.

6. Warmonger (16)

Jockey: Michael Dee

Trainer: Mick Prijs & Michael Kent

Odds: $15.00

Hope: Talented stayer looking to bounce back from a disappointing last outing.

Tim Clark wins the James Squire Kingston Town Stakes with Eliyass during the Sydney Surf To Turf Day

Tim Clark wins the James Squire Kingston Town Stakes with Eliyass during the Sydney Surf To Turf Day

7. Eliyass (21)

Jockey: Tim Clark

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Odds: $6.00

Hope: a well-regarded import with a strong track record, but not tested beyond 2000 meters.

8. Country legend (1)

Jockey: Zac Purton

Coach: Chris Waller

Odds: $8.50

Hope: A real keeper with a recent win in Group 1, although Barrier 1 could pose challenges.

9. Young Werther (10)

Jockey: Jye McNeil

Coach: Danny O’Brien

Odds: $19.00

Hopes: Veteran with solid form, but faces a distance challenge in this match.

10. Hertog De Sessa (6)

Jockey: Harry Coffey

Coach: Ciaron Maher

Odds: $21.00

Hope: Consistent performer who looks for the edge to secure a win.

11. Knight’s Choice (14)

Jockey: Robbie Dolan

Trainer: J&S Symons & Laxon

Odds: $201.00

Hopes: Longshot at light weight, but faces an uphill battle due to recent poor form.

12. Muramasa (5)

Jockey: Daniel Moor

Trainer: T&N Busuttin & Y

Odds: $26.00

Hope: Promising stayer at light weight, but needs to prove himself at this level.

Zardozi of the James Cummings stable will be the choice of the domesticated horses in the Cup

Zardozi of the James Cummings stable will be the choice of the domesticated horses in the Cup

13. Zardozi (12)

Jockey: Andrea Atzeni

Coach: James Cummings

Odds: $7.00

Hopes: Quality mare with a proven track record at this distance, benefiting from a light weight.

14. Coco Sun (20)

Jockey: Karis Teetan

Trainer: T&C McEvoy

Odds: $26.00

Hope: Potentially packaged mare facing a tough draw but capable of a strong finish.

15. Denying knowledge (17)

Jockey: Craig Newitt

Trainer: A&S Freedman

Odds: $9.00

Hope: Recent Group 1 winner needs some racing luck from a wide barrier.

16. Brave King (18)

Jockey: Teodore Nugent

Coach: Chris Waller

Odds: $51.00

Hope: Gray keeper with a light weight, yet an inspiring shape.

17. Positivity (9)

Jockey: Winona Costin

Trainer: Andrew Forsman

Odds: $31.00

Hope: Talented mare with a solid track record, although dropping back in distance can be a challenge.

English raider Sayedaty Sadaty does some track work ahead of the big race at Caulfield Racecourse

English raider Sayedaty Sadaty does some track work ahead of the big race at Caulfield Racecourse

18. Sayedaty Sadaty (2)

Jockey: Ben Thompson

Coach: Ciaron Maher

Odds: $12.00

Hope: Lightly raced import with impressive British credentials, but not tested on local circuits.

Weather conditions

The 2024 Caulfield Cup race day is expected to go largely well, with only a slight chance of rain on Friday, which should not have a significant impact on the circuit. However, given Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, it is always wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast closer to the event. The track conditions are expected to be good and provide an ideal surface for participants.

Race time through Australia

Here’s when you can attend the main race, the Caulfield Cup, in various Australian states:

  • Victoria (VIC): 5:15pm AEDT
  • New South Wales (NSW): 5:15 PM AEDT
  • Queensland (QLD): 4:15pm 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 viewed in several ways:

Television: The race will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Racing.com and Sky Racing, offering extensive coverage and expert analysis.

Streaming: For those who prefer to stream the race, Racing.com offers live streaming via their website and app. Plus, Channel 7’s 7plus app offers streaming services, so you can catch the action on the go.

Radio: Tune into RSN 927 for live radio coverage with race updates and commentary to keep you informed wherever you are.