Melbourne Cup Quinella Tips 2026

Exotic bets always prove popular when punting on the ponies, no more so than on Melbourne Cup Day.

We’ve supplied you with some Trifecta tips for the big day, but what about other exotics? 

Requiring less runners, but just as captivating a Quinella requires you to pick the first two runners past the post, in any order.

That’s right, Quinellas come pre-boxed, so all you have to do is pick the two runners from the field you fancy will finish first and second.

That’s easier said than done, so we’re here to help with some expert analysis. So, if you’re looking for a dynamic duo to back for the race that stops the nation, check out our Melbourne Cup Quinella tips below.

Melbourne Cup Quinella Tips 2026 

Point Of Law + Trustyourinstinct 

Point Of Law: Produced one of the outstanding Cup trials for some time when he dominated the Geelong Cup. 

He copped a 2kg penalty, so will now carry 53kg. Reports from the stable are positive about him running a strong 3200m.

Trustyourinstinct: Another trainer by Joseph O’Brien. He won the Curragh Cup, and he’s a genuine stayer with a slick turn of foot. 

He would prefer a dryish track. Local champ James McDonald rides him.

Shockletz + Jame J Braddock 

Shockletz: Lightweight chance that has been given a faultless preparation by trainer Ciaron Maher. 

She is a daughter of the 2009 Cup winner Shocking and carries the same colours. Jockey Harry Coffey injured his shoulder in a fall on Saturday, so he is doubtful to ride. Michael Dee is on standby.

James J Braddock: The class runner. He was a flighty colt when he finished third in the Epsom Derby in June. 

He has since been gelded and has settled down. Reports are that he has thrived in quarantine, and as a northern hemisphere 3YO, he gets in nicely with only 53.5kg. 

Middle Earth + Hopewell Rock

Middle Earth: Trainer Ciaron Maher says last year’s third-place getter is his best chance of winning the 2026 Melbourne Cup. 

He has been given a faultless preparation and he looks to be a value bet.

Hopewell Rock: Trained in England by George Boughey. This gelding ran a terrific second in The Ebor – England’s most important handicap – and he has the profile of a Melbourne Cup winner. Zac Lloyd will ride him.