Melbourne Cup field 2024: A preview of the horses to watch

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and the 2024 edition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. A field of 24 horses will line up at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, November 5, for a chance to win the $8 million prize.
Several international horses are expected to challenge the local contingent, including the Aidan O'Brien-trained Vauban, who is the early favorite. The Irish raider has won four of his seven starts, including the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club in France.
Another horse to watch is the Charlie Appleby-trained Buckaroo. The 6-year-old gelding has won three of his past four starts, including the Group 1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes in Canada.
The local hopes will be led by the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant. The 7-year-old mare has won 11 of her 30 starts, including the 2020 Melbourne Cup.
Other horses to watch in the 2024 Melbourne Cup field include Incentivise, Twilight Payment, and Tralee Rose.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup is sure to be a thrilling race, and it will be interesting to see which horse comes out on top. Here is a closer look at some of the horses to watch:
- Vauban (IRE): The early favorite for the Melbourne Cup, Vauban is a 4-year-old colt trained by Aidan O'Brien. He has won four of his seven starts, including the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club in France.
- Buckaroo (GB): Another international challenger, Buckaroo is a 6-year-old gelding trained by Charlie Appleby. He has won three of his past four starts, including the Group 1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes in Canada.
- Verry Elleegant (NZ): The local hope, Verry Elleegant is a 7-year-old mare trained by Chris Waller. She has won 11 of her 30 starts, including the 2020 Melbourne Cup.
- Incentivise (AUS): A rising star of Australian racing, Incentivise is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Peter Moody. He has won his past nine starts, including the Group 1 Caulfield Cup and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
- Twilight Payment (IRE): The defending champion, Twilight Payment is an 8-year-old gelding trained by Joseph O'Brien. He won the 2020 Melbourne Cup at odds of 25-1.
- Tralee Rose (IRE): A lightly raced mare, Tralee Rose is a 4-year-old trained by Dermot Weld. She has won two of her three starts, including the Group 1 Irish Oaks.