Edward Sadler believes the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup will be shaped by a familiar mix of British, Irish and local runners, with Tuesday's race once again set to test the best stayers on an international stage. The Melbourne Cup has long produced winners from Ireland, Japan, France, Germany and England, and this year's edition looks no different in terms of depth and variety.
There is also a broader sense of occasion around Cup Day, with Robbie Williams set to perform at Flemington as part of the entertainment. But the main focus remains the race itself, and Sadler's preview points to a contest where the form lines from Europe and Australia both deserve close attention.
Joseph O'Brien again has plenty to say
One of the strongest threads in the race is the continued presence of Joseph O'Brien, who trained Twilight Payment to win the Melbourne Cup in 2020. This year he has five Melbourne Cup runners, a clear sign of how influential his stable remains in the race.
That record matters because the Cup rewards trainers who understand its demands. O'Brien has already shown that he can prepare a horse for Flemington on the biggest day of the year, and his numbers alone make him central to the conversation.
British and Irish runners bring strong recent form
Sadler also highlighted several British and Irish runners who arrive with useful recent evidence behind them. Sons And Lovers ran very well in the Kilternan Stakes last time out, while Enfjaar made a strong impression when finishing third in the Caulfield Cup at his first Australian start.
Those are the types of form references that matter in a race like this. The Melbourne Cup is never won on reputation alone, but recent performances in the right races can tell you plenty about who is handling the conditions and who is peaking at the right time.
The international challenge remains the story
The Cup's appeal has always been tied to its global reach, and this year's race again looks likely to be decided by runners from different backgrounds coming together at Flemington. British, Irish and local contenders are expected to shape the finish, which is exactly what makes the Melbourne Cup such a compelling event.
For Sadler, the key is not just identifying the major names but weighing how their form translates to the unique demands of the race. With the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup now the focus on Tuesday, the picture is clear: the battle between the British, Irish and locals should define the race.
