A Melbourne Cup start awaits the winner of the Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday, with the race being a golden ticket contest for the first time.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Geelong Cup.
2025 Geelong Cup Runner Preview:
1. Changingoftheguard: Changingoftheguard is a big improver for Kris Lees. He was trucking into the race last start in The Metropolitan but copped bad interference and was eased down in the straight. If he brings his best, he is more than capable of threatening.
2. Berkeley Square: He was actually very good in the Bart Cummings behind Valiant King, who of course ran third in the Caulfield Cup. Properly run race but he ate it up and was strong late…just whether this race shape suits, not sure, but a must for exotics.
3. Onesmoothoperator: SCR
4. Torranzino: I can’t work out why Torranzino is the price he is vs Gilded Water. I thought this guy was unbelievable in the Bart Cummings give the work he did in chasing. He was entitled to knock right up but he kept chipping away and was only run down late by Valiant King. He’s a definite winning chance.
5. Whisky On The Hill: Dare say he shouldn’t be racing here given he should have raced in the Caulfield Cup after being terribly unlucky in the Herbert Power. The race shape is perfect for him because he has change up speed whereas some of these are one paced. Dangerous.
6. Grand Pierro: SCR
7. Gilded Water: I can see why he is favourite given he has the flashing light, impressive two back, and his run in the Bart Cummings…is he a freak, or was the beaten brigade absolute plodders because how he managed to finish third, I just don’t know. If he wins, too good, but for me, he’s the lay of the Spring. I can’t see him recovering that quickly.
8. Distrustful Award: He looks the horse for the 2800m on Cup Day. Loved the way he closed off in the Seymour Cup. Not the right set up for this race, but will tune him up perfectly for the race mentioned earlier.
9. Fernao: Has an awful racing style, but he was another that closed off well in the Bart Cummings. First four threat if the inside gate can be used to advantage.
10. Ferago: 2800m on Cup Day for him, or even waiting for a 3000m at The Valley. Just doesn’t have the turn of foot.
2025 Geelong Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place Changingoftheguard Tote/SP
Geelong Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) | Kris Lees | Ethan Brown | 7 | 60kg |
| 2 | BERKELEY SQUARE | Dan O’Sullivan | Luke Nolen | 6 | 58kg |
| 4 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | Paul Preusker | Ms Celine Gaudray | 3 | 56kg |
| 5 | WHISKY ON THE HILL (GB) | Glen Thompson | Michael Dee | 8 | 55kg |
| 7 | GILDED WATER (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 4 | 54kg |
| 8 | DISTRUSTFUL AWARD | Peter Luttrell | Anthony Darmanin | 10 | 54kg |
| 9 | FERNAO (IRE) | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Jett Stanley | 2 | 54kg |
| 10 | FERAGO | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | Craig Newitt | 5 | 54kg |
Geelong Cup Odds
2025 Geelong Cup Speed Map
Gilded Water took charge of Jamie in the Bart Cummings so I doubt he will lead. Changingoftheguard led throughout two back so I suspect he goes forward. Do they go forward on Onesmoothoperator in a race that could be run at a slow tempo? Gilded Water will be handy but I can’t see much early pressure.
