The final field and barrier draw have been officially locked in for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington, setting up a compelling 3200-metre test for a diverse international and domestic line-up.
The barrier allocation dealt a severe blow to prominent overseas hope James J Braddock, who was sitting among the betting favourites prior to Saturday night’s draw. The lightly-raced four-year-old gelding, trained by Joseph O’Brien and slated to be ridden by Craig Williams, will be forced to contend with the widest possible start after drawing barrier 24. Bringing a career record of two wins and three placings from eight starts, the gelding was viewed as a strong chance heading into his first Australian start, though the extreme outside draw complicates his tactical outlook.
Conversely, fortune favoured the Ciaron Maher stable. Point Of Law, who surged to the top of betting markets after capturing the Geelong Cup, drew favourably in barrier nine. The lightly-raced stallion, recently added to the Maher yard, has been installed as the outright $6 favourite for the historic race.
Stablemate Middle Earth landed the coveted inside position, drawing barrier one for trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Mark Zahra. Other local contenders also learned their routes for the 3200-metre feature, with Juja Kibo drawing barrier 14 and Mr Monaco securing barrier 16 in the midfield. So You Are, entering the race in strong form after earning a late inclusion, secured barrier seven under jockey Rachel King, while Knight’s Choice—who claimed victory in the famous race two years ago—drew barrier two.
The complete 24-horse field and barrier allocations for the 2026 Melbourne Cup feature Sons And Lovers in barrier three with Dylan Browne McMonagle, Trustyourinstinct in barrier 18 with James McDonald, and Knight’s Choice in barrier two with Robbie Dolan. Middle Earth takes barrier one with Mark Zahra, Vauban holds barrier 22 with Jordan Childs, Enfjaar has barrier eight with Ray Dawson, and Royal Supremacy sits in barrier 21 with Ben Allen.
Further down the list, Wine Dark Sea drew barrier 23 with Damian Lane, Asterix takes barrier six with Jye McNeil, Goodie Two Shoes drew barrier 19 with Wayne Lordan, Juja Kibo starts from barrier 14 with Sam Clipperton, and Hopewell Rock occupies barrier 15 with Zac Lloyd. Onesmoothoperator drew barrier 13 with Declan Bates, Soul Of Spain takes barrier five with Tommy Berry, Zahrann holds barrier 11 with Ben Melham, So You Are starts from barrier seven with Rachel King, and Future History drew barrier 12 with Jamie Melham.
Rounding out the remaining runners, James J Braddock starts from the outside in barrier 24 with Craig Williams, Kizlyar drew barrier 20 with Beau Mertens, Point Of Law occupies barrier nine with Ethan Brown, Strictly Business starts from barrier four with Mick Dee, Mr Monaco takes barrier 16 with Jabez Johnstone, Zakouma sits in barrier 10 with William Pike, and Shockletz rounds out the field in barrier 17 with Harry Coffey.
