The 2022 Melbourne Cup field was announced at 4.30 on Saturday 29th October. The barrier draw was held at 7pm that evening.
Melbourne Cup Horses 2022
Each year 24 horses square up in the Melbourne Cup which is now regarded as one of the most prestigious racing events in the world.
See below for the final field of 24 runners in the 2022 Melbourne Cup. There are less international raiders than in previous years The horses range from 3 to 7 in age and there are 14 geldings, six mares, three stallions and a colt. Three runners have won previously over the 3200m distance or longer. There are four trainers that have more than one runner: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have five, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have two runners, Robert Hickmott has two and Danny O’Brien has two.
Two of the field are sired by Tavistock (Stockman, Young Werther & Tralee Rose), two by Galileo (Serpentine & Interpretation) and two by So You Think (Knights Order & Realm Of Flowers). Three runners were in last year’s Melbourne Cup (Knights Order, Grand Promenade and Tralee Rose). There are two three-year-olds, two four-year-olds, 10 five-year-olds, seven six-year-olds and three seven-year-olds.
Melbourne Cup Runner by Runner
1. Gold Trip
Finished second in the Caulfield Cup, then was very unlucky not to be in the finish in the Cox Plate. Got a pretty average steer there. The trip has to be some query here but he loves wet ground. In the mix.
2. Duais
Had a terrific Autumn which included a win in the Australian Cup here. Appears to have been a length or two below her best this spring although this has been the target all along!
3. Knights Order
Won the Sydney Cup in the Autumn over 3200m on a wet track. Arguably has come back a better horse this prep. Thought his run in the Caulfield Cup was excellent – they just went way too slow on him! Finished 19th in this race last year. Should find the top again here. Looks a genuine top three chance!
4. Montefilia
Her run in the Caulfield Cup last start was excellent – probably goes close to winning it with a better ride. The distance is a query for me.
5. Numerian
Another who is going well this preparation. He was a very solid run in the Caulfield Cup. Would be surprised if he finished top three here though.
6. Without A Fight
Irish Raider with good form overseas. Has carried big weights and only has 55kg here. Gets international rider William BUick.
7. Camorra
Another Irish horse. Has won over 2800m.
8. Deauville Legend
The boom horse from the UK. Has been heavily backed over the last few months in all in markets and looks set to start a warm favourite. He won the Great Voltigeur at York easily at his last start beating El Bodegon who subsequently ran really well in the Cox Plate. Wet ground is an unknown but if he handles it he looks clearly the one to beat.
9. Stockman
Lovely staying type. Only finished midfield in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) on Saturday, but the start before was impressive with a big win in the ATC St Leger over 2600m. Chance at big odds.
10. Vow And Declare
Won this race three years ago. Has improved with every run this campaign and has one of the inform jocks on. I have him finishing somewhere in the 5-10 bracket.
11. Young Werther
Ran well here in the Turnbull, then poked around in the Cox Plate and wasn’t beaten far. This has been his grand final all along. First four chance.
12. Hoo Ya Mal
European import with 2 wins and 6 places from 9 starts.
13. Serpentine
Finished 2nd in the Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Derby Day which was the best of his Australian runs.
14. Daqiansweet Junior
This years Adelaide Cup winner. Thought he was disappointing in the Bart Cummings last start. Prefer others.
15. Grand Promenade
Finished 6th in last year’s Melbourne Cup but hasn’t won since then. Handles rain-affected ground.
16. Arapaho
Finished 1.8 lenghs 2nd to Stockman in the St Leger at his latest start.
17. Emissary
Terrific win in the Geelong Cup last start. Good gaps back to the third horse there and we know the Geelong Cup has been a good form reference for this in times gone by. No weight on his back. Place chance.
18. Lunar Flare
Secured her spot in the field by winning the Bart Cummings here on October 1. Was a really good second last start in the Moonee Valley Cup. Going super and is a genuine top 6 chance.
19. Smokin’ Romans
Won the Naturalism then proved it was no fluke winning the Turnbull at his next start. Subsequently jumped a well supported favourite in the Caulfield Cup where he was a touch disappointing although may of have had excuses. Wouldn’t shock to see him run a place here.
20. Tralee Rose
Finished 9th in the race last year. Improved showing in the Caulfield Cup last start finding the line quite nicely. But I can’t see her finishing in the top 6.
21. Point Nepean
Won the Andrew Ramsden in May to lock away his spot in the field. His two runs this campaign have been pretty ordinary. The stable know what they are doing but I have to be against him here.
22. High Emocean
Won the Bendigo Cup last Wednesday and is super fit looking. With only 50kg on her back I think she can make her presence felt.
23. Interpretation
Ran 0.9 length 3rd in the Bart Cummings then 6th in the Gellong Cup where he pulled up lame. Not the worst.
24. Realm Of Flowers
Won the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington over 2800m back in May. Was a close 3rd in a blanket finish in The Metropolitan last start nd wouldn’t surprise to see her place.
See our Melbourne Cup tips