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
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
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
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
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.