Melbourne Cup Day Tips - 3 November 2026

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 35 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 35 minutes ago

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Point Of Law and Trustyourinstinct lead an international challenge in the 3200m race that stops a nation.
Shockletzis an interesting pick having been handed a weight of just 51kg for the race.
The gates open at 06:00 SAST on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

Watch for Point Of Law and Trustyourinstinct at the finish line at the end of the Melbourne Cup (Getty Images).

Melbourne Cup Day Predictions

Melbourne Cup Day Predictions
Point Of Law - Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup
Trustyourinstinct - Leading international contender
Defiantly - Each-way candidate
Shockletz - Value candidate
Other races on Melbourne Cup Day

The prestige race of the day will be run over 3200m on Tuesday with a strong field of runners competing.

Point Of Law - Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup

Provisional jockey: Ethan Brown | Trainer: Ciaron Maher

Point Of Law gave Australian racing followers a convincing demonstration of his stamina potential by win-ning the Geelong Cup over 2400m on 21 October. The son of Frankel has progressed quickly since joining Ciaron Maher from Britain and earned a guaranteed Melbourne Cup place through the Geelong victory.

His biggest question is whether he can stretch a further 800m against international opposition, but there is reason for confidence: he settled, travelled comfortably and showed determination when challenged. The early market made him favourite at around A$6-A$7, although both prices and weights could change. He is preferred before the final draw.

Trustyourinstinct - Leading international contender

Provisional jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

Trustyourinstinct is one of the most interesting European challengers. The Irish-trained gelding won the Cur-ragh Cup over a staying trip before finishing fourth in the Irish St Leger behind Scandinavia, form that estab-lishes his credentials for a genuinely run 3200m contest.

Joseph O’Brien has already trained two Melbourne Cup winners and has booked James McDonald, who won the race on Verry Elleegant in 2021. The jockey and trainer combination is compelling, but Trustyourinstinct must handle a handicap weight of 57kg and the expected crowded race. The 29 October market was around A$7-A$8.

Defiantly - Each-way candidate

Provisional jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

Defiantly brings strong European staying experience and earned a ballot exemption through victory in the Prix Kergorlay over 3000m at Deauville in August. Few runners come into this event with such unambiguous evidence of staying stamina, an important asset if the race is run at a demanding tempo.

The European form merits serious consideration, though the 56.5kg handicap weight asks him to concede ground to several well-treated rivals. The horse deserves a place on the shortlist at a pre-field price around A$11, particularly if he finds a reasonable barrier.

Shockletz - Value candidate

Provisional jockey: Harry Coffey | Trainer: Ciaron Maher

Shockletz has been handed just 51kg and secured a spot through the Archer Stakes, a potent combination for a progressive stayer on Melbourne Cup Day. The lighter weight provides a clear contrast with some of the established European horses carrying 56kg or more.

His profile is not as accomplished as the headline contenders, but the Cup frequently gives improving hors-es an opportunity to produce the run of their careers. At an early quote around A$10-A$11, Shockletz offers a plausible value alternative if he passes the final checks.

Other races on Melbourne Cup Day

Cup Day is not solely about the famous staying handicap. The Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate over 1000m gives two-year-olds a chance to show early sprinting talent, while the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes over 1400m and Listed Amanda Elliott over the same distance add depth to the supporting card.

Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.