The highly anticipated Lexus Melbourne Cup has received 120 early nominations for its 165th running, including 19 international raiders, setting the stage for a star-studded edition of the $10 million classic on November 4.

Via Sistina is nominated for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup but is an unlikely final acceptor. Photo: Bradley Photos.

Following last month’s Caulfield Cup and Ladbrokes Cox Plate entries, the nominations highlight a global field with both proven champions and rising stars vying for a place in the “race that stops a nation.”

Key Nominees and Contenders

While last year’s winner Knight’s Choice ($51) is nominated to defend his title for Sunshine Coast trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon, a new favourite has emerged.

Leading the international brigade is the Joseph O’Brien-trained Irish raider Al Riffa, who is the current co-favourite at $11 in futures Melbourne Cup odds online at Ladbrokes. O’Brien, a two-time Cup winner, is aiming for his third victory with Al Riffa, who recently secured a powerhouse five-length win in the Group 2 Curragh Cup. The dual Group 1 winner will contest the Irish St Leger this month before heading to Australia.

The other top contenders include a massive 27-strong contingent from the Chris Waller stable. While it’s unlikely that the reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year Via Sistina ($15) will accept, her inclusion highlights the stable’s depth. More likely to contest the Cup is Waller’s import Land Legend ($17), who ran an eye-catching third in the Spring Preview despite a short distance and a heavy weight.

Local Powerhouses and Dark Horses

Australia’s biggest stables have also thrown their hats in the ring. Ciaron Maher has a massive 13 nominations, including last year’s third-place finisher Okita Soushi ($34), who is expected to improve as he gets out to a more suitable distance. Maher’s best-fancied contender is the Roaring Lion six-year-old Middle Earth ($21), who resumed last Saturday with a strong fifth-place finish at Caulfield.

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott partnership has nominated a strong trio with co-trainer Waterhouse having won in 2013 with Fiorente. Their best chance is the imported stayer Sir Delius ($15), a son of the legendary Frankel, who burst onto the Australian scene with a dominant Group 3 win at Doomben in May. He will launch his spring campaign in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes this weekend. The stable has also nominated last year’s Cup contender Vauban ($15), who is set to line up for a third crack at the race.

Another major contender is the Phillip Stokes-trained Deakin, who already has a ballot-free ride into the race after claiming the Listed Roy Higgins at Flemington back in May.

First acceptances for the Lexus Melbourne Cup will close on Tuesday, September 30.

2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Nominations

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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