By Sohaib Shams
Horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has previewed the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Park, offering his best bets and analysis for Australia's richest race, which carries £4.5 million in prize money and runs at 04:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Top tip: Trustyourinstinct each-way
Doidge recommends Trustyourinstinct, trained by Joseph O'Brien, as a each-way selection at 8/1. The gelded son of Churchill has shown steady improvement, winning a Group 2 over 1m6f and finishing fourth in the Irish St Leger behind Scandinavia. O'Brien, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2017 and 2020, fields five runners after Defiantly was declared unfit by the racecourse vet.
Key contenders and odds
Point Of Law heads the market at 7/1 after winning the Geelong Cup, while stablemate Hopewell Rock (9/1) and Shockletz (9/1) represent Ciaron Maher's strong team. Other notable runners include Goodie Two Shoes (25/1), last year's runner-up, and Sons And Lovers (18/1), now ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle. The full odds list includes 24 horses, with prices ranging from 7/1 to 80/1.
Responsible gambling reminder
The article includes a responsible gambling notice, urging bettors to set limits, never chase losses, and seek help from organisations such as GambleAware and Gamblers Anonymous if needed.
