2025 Melbourne Cup horses: full 24-runner field, barriers, and storylines after the draw

The final field is set for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday, November 4. Twenty-four runners were confirmed after Derby Day, and the barrier draw locked key chances into make-or-break gates for the race that stops a nation.

The 24 horses and their barriers

Field limited to 24; no emergencies.

What the draw means for the big players

• Half Yours (8) — The Caulfield Cup winner landed a dream middle alley that suits a stalking run and reduces traffic risk into the first turn. The “Cups double” is firmly in play.

• Al Riffa (19) — The topweight and multiple Group 1 winner must navigate from wide; a clean break and early cover are vital before the field strings out.

• Vauban (2) — Rails draw for the grand old warrior on his third Cup attempt. Saves ground if he begins cleanly; the trade-off is needing splits late.

• Valiant King (10) — Last year’s eye-catcher returns from a soft gate with an economical map to the first 1000m.

• Absurde (4) — Another Cup veteran who finally drew low. The set-up invites a box-seat or leaders’ back run if the tempo is genuine.

• Meydaan (22) & More Felons (23) — Both face a tricky first furlong. Expect restraint early and a mid-race move once the speed settles.

A truly international Cup

This year’s line-up spans seven countries of training bases, including a first-ever United States-trained runner in Parchment Party (3). Japan is represented by Chevalier Rose (5); France, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland add depth with proven stayers such as Presage Nocturne (9), Flatten The Curve (17) and Middle Earth (13). Australia’s home team is headlined by Half Yours, while local stalwarts like Smokin’ Romans (11) and Arapaho (15) bring track knowledge and battle-hardened manners.

Map and tempo thoughts

Early pace typically comes from runners drawn single digits who jump cleanly and want position before the first turn. With Vauban (2), Absurde (4), Chevalier Rose (5) and Onesmoothoperator (6) all well-berthed, the run to the post the first time should be honest. Wide gates such as Meydaan (22) and More Felons (23) are likely to drift back and ride for rhythm, hoping the race becomes a true staying test that exposes any mid-race loafing.

Weights and profiles to note

• Al Riffa carries topweight and class; his wide alley is the obvious puzzle.

• Several European stayers arrive well-treated at the weights off strong 2800–3000m form, while Half Yours gets in light enough to make his Caulfield stamina count over two miles.

• “Third-time” narratives abound: veterans who know the Cup’s unique cadence often run to their peak with the right map.

Race time and viewing notes

• Post time: 3:00 p.m. AEDT, Tuesday, November 4, Flemington Racecourse.

• Coverage: National broadcast and digital streaming across standard racing platforms. Check local guides for exact channels and start of the Cup day broadcast.

Quick form snapshots (one-liners)

• Half Yours (8): Cup-winning engine at 2400m; barrier screams “no excuses.”

• Al Riffa (19): High-class miler/middle-distance star stretching stamina with weight—needs tempo and luck from out wide.

• Vauban (2): Craft and courage; rails run can win it if the gaps appear.

• Valiant King (10): Strong late sectional profile; perfect draw to park midfield.

• Absurde (4): Maps to save every inch; thrives if the speed is genuine.

• Chevalier Rose (5): Brings Japanese depth and a gate to use.

• Parchment Party (3): Historic U.S. runner with a golden inside marble.

The draw gave Half Yours the sweet spot, handed Vauban the paint, and asked Al Riffa to defy a wide stall under topweight. With a global cast and contrasting run styles, 2025 shapes as a classic Cup—won in the first 600m by map and in the last 600m by heart.