<p>Recap the 2024 Melbourne Cup with the Huddle and learn about all of the trials and tribulations culminating in tips for what to consider in your <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/horse-racing/melbourne-cup/the-melbourne-cup-2025">2025 Melbourne Cup tips</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How the 2024 Melbourne Cup Was Run</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 164th running of the 2024 Melbourne Cup on 5 November 2024 produced one of the biggest upsets in the race’s modern era: Knight’s Choice ($81) rocketed from Barrier 6 to claim victory in a photo-finish over Japan’s Warp Speed (Barrier 2, second) and Ireland’s Okita Soushi (Barrier 10, third).&nbsp;</p> <p>The field of 23 (final field confirmed 2 November) featured a strong contingent of international stayers.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <strong>Race shape analysed:</strong></p> <p>The pace was genuine from the outset, with early leaders such as Just Fine (Barrier 13) committing to the front but unable to sustain.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mid-barrier runners with cover were able to boost through the field. Knight’s Choice tracked midfield, had one run before the final 400 m, and surged to win.</p> <p>Leaders who moved early faded badly; Just Fine dropped away to finish last. Others drawn wide and ultra-back also struggled to find clear air when it mattered.</p> <p>The top four finishing horses were all drawn between Barriers 2 and 10: Warp Speed (2), Knight’s Choice (6), Okita Soushi (10), Zardozi (Barrier 3, 4th).<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key take-aways for punters:</strong></p> <p>A true staying test, 3200 m, required patience and one-off mapping.</p> <p>Barrier draw &amp; map played a pivotal role; being caught wide or without cover was highly disadvantageous.</p> <p>Late momentum (last 400 m) separated the winners from the rest; positioning and ground-savings counted.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Barriers &amp; Tempo Patterns</h3> <p>The 2024 edition reinforced the value of mid-barriers and clean runs. Barriers 5–12 again looked favourable: Knight’s Choice (6) and Okita Soushi (10) hit the top four.&nbsp;</p> <p>Conversely, very low or high gates seemed to create risk: the favourite Vauban (Barrier 11) faded to 11th despite strong lead-up form.</p> <p>As Cup week approaches, treat the 2025 draw as a map re-set: monitor who lands in the “one-off with cover” positions and who may be forced into wide runs or exposed leads.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Form Lines That Stood Up</h3> <p>2024 showed us again that strong staying form and proven lead-up performances matter. Knight’s Choice carried just 51.5kg and had stay-capable form; his victory validates the idea that weight advantage plus stamina wins.</p> <p>Imports held their competitive edge: Warp Speed (54.5kg) had Group staying form in Japan and ran second. Okita Soushi (51kg) came from overseas and finished third.</p> <p>Locals also featured: Zardozi (4th) and Circle of Fire (6th) showed that Australian-based stayers with strong lead-ups can mix it.<br /> For your 2025 short-listing: rely on runners with recent 2400–2800 m Group performances, credible international credentials, or Aussie stayers peaking correctly. Then check live prices and markets on our Best Bets / Markets page.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What to Watch for in 2025</h3> <p>Imports with recent Aussie stay-lead-ups - those with local acclimation and good overseas staying form will be high-value.</p> <p>Australian stayers off strong Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate lead-ups - particularly if drawn mid and racing third-or-fourth-up.</p> <p>Mid-barrier maps that promise cover and clean runs late - look for those “one-off with cover” patterns again.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> We’ll be publishing evolving positions and updates across Cup week via our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/horse-racing/melbourne-cup">Melbourne Cup Hub of The Huddle</a>, especially after the draw and final track rating so stay tuned.</p>