Melbourne Cup Tips 2026!

Melbourne Cup 2026 Preview

The Melbourne Cup had not yet been run in this video. King Zone and Fizzer looked back at Derby Day, then assessed the Cup field, recent form, barriers, likely pace and changing odds. The subtitles provide no precise race times.

Derby Day Recap

They described the day as one in which many well-backed favourites won. In Sydney, She’s Alibi fell. The presenters said her win would have been costly for bookmakers and that she had featured as an anchor in many multiple bets. Another runner they had backed had a troubled race; one presenter said he was already worried after about 200 metres.

Among the day’s highlights, they praised Stormy Marco’s win in an endurance race and a comfortable victory by a horse whose name is transcribed as Lady Shannon. They also singled out The Next Episode for an impressive run down the straight. James McDonald drew particular praise for his riding.

Melbourne Cup Field and Conditions

The presenters expected the track to be around a Good 5, despite earlier rain and storms. They noted that heavier rain could change their assessments. They thought the field lacked depth, while acknowledging that longshots can still win the Cup.

Three horses—Defiantly, Saint George and Stinger Glass—were reported as scratched after veterinary examinations. Their withdrawals affected the market:

• Trust Your Instinct shortened from roughly $12 to $7.
• Hopewell Rock shortened from about $18 to $9.
• Shockletz shortened from around $13 to $11.
• Point of Law remained near $8.

The presenters anticipated a solid pace, with Royal Supremacy likely to move forward alongside Sons and Lovers and other front-runners. That could make the race demanding over 3,200 metres.

Runners Discussed

• Chocolat: Praised for his preparation and for winning the 2,500-metre Archer, which secured his Cup place. One presenter viewed him as a leading Australian hope and liked him at around $11.
• Shockletz: Discussed through his Archer run and a later performance in which he finished strongly. The presenters thought his form suggested he could stay the Cup distance and included him on their shortlist.
• Point of Law: Had impressed with a win in the Geelong Cup, but the panel questioned whether he would settle amid the Flemington crowd and handle 3,200 metres so early in his career. They also noted his light weight and strong breeding.
• Trust Your Instinct: Considered a class runner after wins in the Curragh Cup and a fourth in the Irish St Leger. Concerns included his 57-kilogram impost, first start in Australia, barrier 18 and dependence on a dry track.
• Hopewell Rock: His second in the Ebor was considered strong form, but the presenters felt his shortened price offered less value. They also noted that he had not raced in Australia.
• Middle Earth: The presenters were wary of his recent form, his price and the distance, despite his previous Melbourne Cup run.
• Fjair: His Caulfield Cup third was acknowledged, but the panel doubted his stamina at 3,200 metres.
• James J. Braddock: His wide barrier 24 and the distance were seen as negatives.
• Jukebox and other Moonee Valley Gold Cup runners: The presenters questioned whether the slowly run race and sprint finish offered a reliable guide to the Melbourne Cup. They also discussed Kiwia, suggesting he might be better suited by being ridden forward.

The betting opinions remained provisional. One presenter said his selections could change after completing his form analysis, while Fizzer stressed that his view of Trust Your Instinct depended on the weather.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenters: King Zone (“Kings”) and Fizzer
• Channel: Wolfden
• Race replays discussed: The Archer, Caulfield Cup, Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup
• Coverage mentioned: racing.com