Long Range Bet: Further to win the Melbourne Cup 2025 each-way at 34.00 with bet365
Best Bet: Presage Nocturne to win the Melbourne Cup 2025 at 9.00 with Palmerbet
The Melbourne Cup 2025 is fast approaching and we have worked to highlight some of the best betting tips for the ‘Race that Stops a Nation’. Check out our selections below, as well as outright odds and best places to bet.
Odds for this race are available with the best Australian bookmakers. We looked at how bet365, Palmerbet and Betr have priced up the top 10 in the outright winner market.
As you can see, if you think River Of Stars is going to win the Melbourne Cup then you would be better backing that horse with Palmerbet instead of Betr or bet365. Remember that odds also change the closer the race gets to the start but this gives an idea of how prices can vary.
Horses listed in the futures market during the pre-nomination stage can also vary massively from one bookie to the next. This is why it is always worth checking how different bookies price up the market even at an early stage. Once entries have been made, betting will become ‘all-in’, which means you will lose your stake if your horse does not start but the odds can be much higher than on the day of the race.
*Odds correct at time of writing.
Here you will find our best bets for the famous race. We have nominated an early long-range prediction at appealing each-way odds but will also provide other tips as the race gets closer. Check back to see our top best bet closer to the Melbourne Cup 2025. As well as top tips, you can also read on to see a more in-depth look at how the 2025 contest is shaping up.


The Melbourne Cup 2025 betting market has been blown wide open after favourite Sir Delius was ruled out after being deemed at risk of injury following pre-race veterinary checks.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained horse, who cost connections $2.7million, had been at the head of the market following an impressive victory in the Turnbull Stakes.
His absence means Al Riffa now heads a close betting contest for two-time race-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien. He is now Aussie-owned and helps make up a quality field for the 165th running of the famous contest.
His closest rival is now this year’s Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours for Tony and Calvin McAvoy. He had previously finished four in the Turnbull Stakes behind Sir Delius.
Champion trainer Chris Waller is again part of the home challenge with Valiant King and Buckaroo leading his hopes of success.
Defending champion Knight’s Choice was initially entered but won’t now attempt to become the first back-to-back Melbourne Cup winner since Makybe Diva.
History could be made this year after Hall of Fame American jockey John Velazquez was booked to ride Parchment Party. It would make him the first American jockey to compete in the Melbourne Cup.
Connections of leading fancy Half Yours will be happy after getting drawn in barrier eight for this year’s race. Of those also near the top of the market, Presage Nocturne (9) and Valiant King (10) have done well.
Leading international runner Al Riffa has been drawn in barrier 19, which could leave the jockey Mark Zahra needing some luck at a crucial time, especially with this much weight to carry.
The most successful barrier in Melbourne Cup history is barrier five with 10 wins. That slot is taken by Chevalier Rose this year. Barrier 11 boasts nine wins and will be the starting point for Smokin’ Romans in 2025.
Once you have placed your bets on the Melbourne Cup you can also use some online bookies to stream the race as well. Being able to bet on the race and then watch the action from the same place is a big positive.
Bookmakers like Palmerbet, Dabble and Betr have Melbourne Cup live streams for their customers. All you need is a funded or active betting account and you can see the content for free online. If you download their app then you can also watch easily through your mobile device.
