2024 Melbourne Cup tips: three horses for your shortlist

Trainer: Willie Mullins. Jockey: William Buick. Best odds: 11-2.

Things didn’t go to plan for Vauban, who was sent off the 9-2 favourite, in this contest last year, but Willie Mullins says his star stayer has “unfinished business” and it is surely a positive sign that connections are keen to have a second tilt at the Melbourne Cup. 

Mullins, who has gone close to winning this race numerous times, including when Max Dynamite finished a luckless second in 2015, has also said that Vauban’s preparation has been better this year, for various reasons, and is convinced the 2022 Triumph Hurdle winner is "well handicapped”. 

The formbook points to Vauban having a huge chance, too, as he produced arguably a career best to finish second behind Kyprios in the Irish St. Leger last time out after winning the Lonsdale Cup at York. 

Stall 11 looks a favourable draw and, barring trouble in running, he surely goes close here with William Buick aboard. 

Trainer: Chris Waller. Jockey: Joao Moreira. Best odds: 11-2.

Although the draw hasn’t been as kind to Buckaroo, he has outstanding form claims and if he can overcome stall 21, which Vow And Declare did in 2019, then he’s surely going to be involved in the finish. 

Chris Waller’s five-year-old, who was formerly trained by Joseph O’Brien, has taken his form to another level this season, and recorded his first Group One success in the Underwood Stakes in September. 

He’s finished runner-up at Grade One level on his past two starts, and his narrow second behind Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes looks particularly strong considering how impressive that rival was in the Cox Plate next time out. 

Buckaroo might just have the class to overcome his wide draw, and while this new trip does pose a question mark, he's shaped as though it will be within reach.

Trainer: Chris Waller. Jockey: Zac Purton. Best odds: 12-1. 

At bigger prices, it is worth considering Land Legend each-way. This four-year-old, who is one of five runners (including Buckaroo) for Chris Waller, is improving and, being a full brother to a 2m2f-winner, his pedigree suggests this trip could bring out further improvement in him. 

He defeated Zardozi when landing the Metropolitan (Group One handicap) two starts ago and had excuses in the Caulfield Cup last time where he got worked up beforehand. 

However, he will wear earmuffs here and connections report that he has settled better in his training recently.

A career best will be needed, and others hold stronger form claims, but it’s unlikely we have seen the best of him yet, and the booking of Zac Purton certainly isn’t a negative.