The 2024 Melbourne Cup is fast approaching, and the field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With a mix of international raiders and local stars, the race promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The international brigade is well positioned to once again capture the Melbourne Cup, with leading chances such as Vauban and Onesmootheroperator faring well at Saturday's barrier draw.

This year's race features a strong contingent of international horses, with contenders from France, Great Britain, Ireland, and Japan all vying for victory. Among them is Vauban, a seven-year-old gelding from France who is seeking redemption after a disappointing 14th-place finish in last year's Cup. He comes into this year's race with a strong performance in the Lonsdale Cup and a second place finish in the Irish St Leger, which suggests he could be a serious contender. Vauban is part of a two-pronged assault on the Cup for Mullins, who'll also saddle up last year's seventh-place finisher Absurde.

But the international horses face stiff competition from the local contingent, led by Buckaroo, a former European now trained in Australia. Buckaroo has been in excellent form this spring, collecting victories in the Chelmsford Stakes and Underwood Stakes. He also ran a narrow second to Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes, which suggests he's well-placed to challenge for victory. Buckaroo has developed a good association with the “Magic Man” Joao Moreira, who's looking to go one better than runner-up finishes in 2016 and 2023.

One of the key races to watch in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup is the Caulfield Cup, which often serves as a good indicator of form. This year's Caulfield Cup saw Buckaroo finish second, followed by Land Legend in third. Land Legend is another one of the leading local hopes, having won his first Australian start in the St Leger and then breaking through for his maiden Group 1 victory in the Metropolitan.

The Melbourne Cup is not only a race for the horses but also a chance for jockeys to make their mark. Mark Zahra, who is going for a hat-trick of Cup wins after victories aboard Gold Trip (2022) and Without A Fight (2023) will be partnering Circle Of Fire, who won the Chairmans Handicap and Sydney Cup earlier this year. Another jockey to watch is Kerrin McEvoy, who has won the Cup three times and will be riding Absurde.

The barrier draw, which took place on Saturday, has played a significant role in shaping the race for the Cup. Onesmoothoperator, a French gelding who has been in good form, was drawn at barrier 7, which should give him a good starting position. Vauban, on the other hand, was drawn at barrier 11, which might be a disadvantage for a horse who is seeking redemption after a disappointing performance last year.

With the barrier draw behind us, the focus shifts to the horses and their individual form lines. The 2024 Melbourne Cup is a race for the ages, and with so many contenders in the mix, it's impossible to predict who will emerge victorious. But one thing is for sure: the race promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for fans and punters alike.

Analyzing the Contenders

International Contenders

The international contingent is a strong one this year, with multiple horses capable of challenging for victory. Here's a closer look at some of the key contenders from overseas:

• Vauban: This seven-year-old gelding from France has the potential to bounce back from his disappointing performance last year. He's shown strong form in recent races, including a victory in the Lonsdale Cup and a second-place finish in the Irish St Leger.
• Absurde: Another Irish runner, Absurde is a consistent performer who finished seventh in last year's Cup. He's had a solid run of form in Europe, including a win over hurdles and a victory in the Chester Stakes.
• Onesmoothoperator: This French gelding has been in excellent form in Australia, winning the Geelong Cup by two lengths. He's also been impressive in Europe, finishing seventh in the prestigious Ebor Handicap.
• Sea King: This English raider created a big impression on his Australian bow when winning the Bendigo Cup in dominant fashion. He's shown strong form in Europe, finishing sixth in the Ebor Handicap.
• Warp Speed: Warp Speed is representing Japan this year and will appreciate the distance rise to 3,200 metres on Tuesday. Although he's been beaten in his last two races, he has a solid pedigree and could be a dark horse in the race.

Local Contenders

The local horses are also well-represented in this year's Cup, with several strong contenders aiming to win the race on home soil. Here's a closer look at some of the key contenders:

• Buckaroo: Buckaroo is a former Irish-trained galloper who has been in excellent form this spring. He's won the Chelmsford Stakes and Underwood Stakes and ran a narrow second to Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes.
• Land Legend: Land Legend is another strong contender with a maiden Group 1 victory in the Metropolitan. He's shown consistency and will be a major threat to the international horses.
• Circle Of Fire: This former English galloper has been in good form this spring, winning the Chairmans Handicap and Sydney Cup. He's a good stayer and could be a contender for victory.
• Sharp ‘N’ Smart: Sharp ‘N’ Smart is looking to recapture the form that saw him win three Group 1 races as a three-year-old. He's been steadily improving and could be a dark horse in the race.
• Okita Soushi: Okita Soushi contested the Cup last year and is hitting form at the right time. He's won the Moonee Valley Cup and could be a strong contender for victory.

The Race is On

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with both international and local contenders in with a strong chance of winning. The field is full of talented horses, and the race promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. The battle lines have been drawn, and the horses are ready to run. Now, it's up to the jockeys to guide their mounts to victory in this iconic race.

Final Thoughts: The Melbourne Cup, A Race Like No Other

The Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race; it's a cultural icon, a national treasure, and a true test of endurance for both horse and jockey. It's a race that captures the hearts and minds of Australians and people all over the world. Each year, the race brings together people from all walks of life, and it's a day that will be remembered for years to come. The Melbourne Cup is a testament to the passion and love for horse racing that exists in Australia, and it's a race that will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.