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 2025 Melbourne Cup tips.
How the 2024 Melbourne Cup Was Run
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).
The field of 23 (final field confirmed 2 November) featured a strong contingent of international stayers.
Race shape analysed:
The pace was genuine from the outset, with early leaders such as Just Fine (Barrier 13) committing to the front but unable to sustain.
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.
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.
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).
Key take-aways for punters:
A true staying test, 3200 m, required patience and one-off mapping.
Barrier draw & map played a pivotal role; being caught wide or without cover was highly disadvantageous.
Late momentum (last 400 m) separated the winners from the rest; positioning and ground-savings counted.
Barriers & Tempo Patterns
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.
Conversely, very low or high gates seemed to create risk: the favourite Vauban (Barrier 11) faded to 11th despite strong lead-up form.
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.
Form Lines That Stood Up
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.
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.
Locals also featured: Zardozi (4th) and Circle of Fire (6th) showed that Australian-based stayers with strong lead-ups can mix it. 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.
What to Watch for in 2025
Imports with recent Aussie stay-lead-ups - those with local acclimation and good overseas staying form will be high-value.
Australian stayers off strong Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate lead-ups - particularly if drawn mid and racing third-or-fourth-up.
Mid-barrier maps that promise cover and clean runs late - look for those “one-off with cover” patterns again.
We’ll be publishing evolving positions and updates across Cup week via our Melbourne Cup Hub of The Huddle, especially after the draw and final track rating so stay tuned.