VAUBAN, BUCKAROO JOINT TOP CUP PICKS

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is an open race with no real standout among its 24 runners

MELBOURNE - Buckaroo and Vauban head into the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup on Nov 5 as joint favourites in Australia's "race that stops a nation", where there will be a record four women jockeys.

First run in 1861, the punishing 3,200-metre (two-mile) handicap at Flemington is regarded as the ultimate test of stamina and staying power. It is set to start at 12pm Singapore time.

With A$8.56 million (S$7.44 million) at stake, the winner of the 24-strong field will bank A$4.4 million and instantly become a household name in Australia, where the race is a cultural institution.

Carrying 54.5kg, the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo finished second in the Caulfield Cup over 2,400m on Oct 19, on the back of two wins earlier in 2024 - the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1,600m) at Randwick and the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1,800m) at Caulfield.

Drawn out wide in barrier 21, the Fastnet Rock six-year-old has again been entrusted to Brazilian ace Joao Moreira - twice a runner-up - with his odds shortening after red-hot favourite Via Sistina was axed last week.