Get the Best Melbourne Cup Tips

When Melbourne Cup time comes around, everyone is looking for handy tips to make it a profitable day. While everyone knows the dangers of excessive gambling, a little education into the form and statistics of the big race can sometimes give you an edge. There is no shortage of Melbourne Cup tips and expert advice surrounding the race, from the sensible to the downright loopy.

TIPS:

TIPS ??: Get On our Melbourne Cup TIPS HERE!

Preview??: Read our Melbourne Cup Runner By Runner Preview HERE

Some of the statistics and information that starts to flow in the lead up to the big race is difficult for regular punters to understand. However, there are also a number of timeless and proven tips to help regular folk out on the big day.

The Importance of Lead Up Races

This little piece of advice can not be underestimated, with experienced punters always playing close attention to specific lead up races. Important 2026 form races include the Lexus Archer Stakes, Lexus Bart Cummings, Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, Moonee Valley Gold Cup and Geelong Cup.

It’s Not All About the Favourites

While the statistics surrounding favourite horses are good, there is no need to go with the crowd every year. Outside chances often perform well at the Melbourne Cup, either coming home with places or even a win. Saying that however, the favourite horse does have a good history in this event, winning 35 of the first 150 runnings, or 23 percent. In that same historical sample, 71 favourites finished in the first three placings.

Try Some Exotic Bets

Exotic betting options such as exactas, quinellas, and superfectas can be a lot of fun. They can also be extremely profitable if you get it right, and are often a good option if there is an overwhelming favourite in the field. While picking the Melbourne Cup trifecta is a difficult thing to do, it will give you bragging rights for years to come.

What about the Barriers?

While the importance of the barrier draw is debatable, all educated punters will be taking a close look when the barriers are unveiled after the final field is declared on Victoria Derby Day, Saturday 31 October 2026.

Let us do the work for you!

If you don’t have enough confidence in your own tips Just Horse Racing provides free tips for every race on Melbourne Cup day plus extensive overviews and previews of the Melbourne Cup itself. So you can get all the tips you need on the Race The Stops The Nation from our Racing Tips page.