2024 Melbourne Cup Odds - Vauban and Circle Of Fire lead early betting

Despite his disappointing showing as the firm-favourite in last year's Melbourne Cup, Willie Mullins' Vauban sits atop the early betting for this year's renewal. Vauban shares the top spot with former Sir Michael Stoute inmate Circle Of Fire, who won the Sydney Cup on his second start for Ciaron Maher.

Along with Circle Of Fire, Ciaran Maher could be represented by Saint George, Berkshire Breeze and new recruits Sayedaty Sedaty and Middle Earth in the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Chris Waller is responsible for a record 21 entrants, including Irish recruits Birdman and Buckaroo, multiple Group One winner Via Sistina, and the strong-staying Valiant King.

Defending champion, Without A Fight will again represent Sam and Anthony Freedman. Dan Clarken and Oopy Macgillivray have entered Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner The Map. Queensland Derby winner Warmonger has been entered by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr.

Irish Champion Trainer, Aidan O'Brien holds six entries, including Point Lonsdale and leading three-year-olds Grosvenor Square and Illinois. Vauban could be joined in the field by stablemate Hipop De Loire, who finished fourth in the Ebor behind Henry De Bromhead's Magical Zoe, who also holds a Melbourne Cup entry.

Two Japanese horses, Shonan Bashitto and Warp Speed have been entered. Jean-Claude Rouget's Delius is the sole French entrant. Other possible runners include Serpentine, Sir Lucan, Royal Supremacy, Post Impressionist and Okita Soushi.