Melbourne Cup 2025: Five runners to watch

Posted on October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

The 2025 Melbourne Cup is just days away, and the stakes are higher than ever. It’s a hard race to pick a winner. Let’s take a look at a few of the runners set to face the starter. Do their Spring preps suggest they could get the money in the race that stops a nation?

Buckaroo

After a gutsy runner-up finish in the Cox Plate, Buckaroo has surged into Melbourne Cup calculations. The Chris Waller-trained import was narrowly beaten by champion mare Via Sistina, and connections believe he’s peaking at the right time. With Craig Williams booked to ride and a solid third in last year’s Cup under his belt, Buckaroo brings both class and experience to the table. He’s drawn well and carries 57kg – a challenge, but not insurmountable for a horse with his credentials.

Half Yours

The Caulfield Cup winner and current favourite, Half Yours, has been the revelation of the Spring. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, he showed grit and tactical brilliance to win the Caulfield Cup, and his light weight of 53kg makes him a serious threat over 3200m. His trainer believes Flemington’s long straight and potential rain-affected ground will suit him perfectly. If he stays the trip, he could be the one to beat.

Al Riffa

Irish raider Al Riffa arrives with serious staying form, having won both the Curragh Cup and the Irish St Leger in dominant fashion. Trained by Joseph O’Brien, who’s already won two Melbourne Cups, Al Riffa has settled well in quarantine and looks ready to fire. He’ll carry top weight (59kg), but his class and stamina are undeniable. With Mark Zahra aboard, he’s a genuine contender to give O’Brien his third Cup.

Arapaho

Bjorn Baker’s seasoned stayer Arapaho comes into the Cup with mixed form. He was well beaten in The Metropolitan but has shown glimpses of his best earlier in the prep, including a placing behind Via Sistina in the Winx Stakes. He’s drawn barrier 8 and carries 56.5kg, which puts him in the mid-range. While not among the favourites, he’s a tough campaigner who could surprise if the race turns tactical.

Vauban

Now trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Vauban is looking to redeem himself after a disappointing Cup run last year. He’s had a solid prep, including a win in the Sky High Stakes and a placing in the Tancred. His third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes showed improvement, and he’s reportedly thriving in his new stable. With Blake Shinn booked and 56.5kg to carry, Vauban could be the smoky in this year’s field.

With a mix of proven stayers, rising stars, and international intrigue, the 2025 Melbourne Cup promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Whether you’re backing the favourite or looking for value in the roughies, each of these runners brings a compelling story to the race.