Overview
- The final 24-horse field, barrier draw and jockey bookings are confirmed, with odds published ahead of Tuesday’s race.
- Jamie Melham rides Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours from barrier 8, the sole Australian-trained runner and current favourite.
- Mark Zahra partners top weight Al Riffa at 59kg from barrier 19, while Jye McNeil takes bottom weight Valiant King at 51kg from barrier 10.
- Three women take rides this year: Melham on Half Yours, Rachel King on Arapaho and Celine Gaudray on Torranzino, the latter after a Geelong Cup victory.
- Markets remain tight behind the favourite with Presage Nocturne, Valiant King, Al Riffa and Buckaroo jostling for second billing, as Michelle Payne nominates Absurde as her top pick.