Melbourne Cup 2024: Bookies Take Action as Flemington Race Looms Large

Bookmakers have been forced to take evasive action after two horses showcased their Melbourne Cup credentials over the past few days.

Buckaroo is now the joint second favourite on several leading horse racing betting sites after finishing runner-up in the Caulfield Cup last weekend.

Onesmoothoperator has also been slashed in the betting after recording a hugely impressive victory in the Geelong Cup in midweek.

Buckaroo will aim to go one better in the Melbourne Cup after running a fine race to finish second in the Caulfield Cup last weekend.

The Chris Waller-trained five-year-old had a troubled trip through the field and did well to finish just over a length behind race winner Duke De Sessa.

Buckaroo is now a 7.00 shot on betting apps to win ‘the race that stops the nation’ and it would be no surprise if he gives punters a good run for their money.

British trainer Brian Ellison is dreaming about Melbourne Cup glory after his Onesmoothoperator produced an impressive turn of foot to win the Geelong Cup.

The six-year-old is now 11.00 on UK betting sites for the Flemington showpiece and could be a live contender if he produces a similar performance on November 5.

Onesmoothoperator had previously shown high-class form on all-weather surfaces, but appeared to relish running on turf in Australia.

Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins says Vauban and Absurde are ready to do themselves justice in the Melbourne Cup following their recent workouts at Werribee.

The pair finished 14th and seventh in the race 12 months ago, but Mullins has adjusted their respective preparations this time around.

Vauban is priced at 7.00 to win the race, while Absurde is a 13.00 shot, and Mullins believes both of them have a good chance of emerging victorious.

Melbourne Cup 2024 Betting (via Quinnbet)

• Jan Brueghel - 5.00
• Vauban - 7.00
• Buckaroo – 7.00
• Onesmoothoperator – 11.00
• Point King - 13.00
• Absurde – 13.00
• Land Legend – 15.00
• Via Sistina – 21.00
• Interpretation – 26.00
• Zardozi – 26.00
• The Map – 34.00
• Circle Of Fire – 34.00
• Saint George – 34.00
• Eliyass – 34.00
• Francesco Guardi – 34.00
• Warp Speed – 34.00
• Kovalica – 41.00
• Bar – 51.00