Melbourne Cup expert tips: Who will win the race and why?

Our experts give their Melbourne Cup tips and explain their reasoning ahead of the big race.

AMANDA ELLIOTTFormer VRC chairman1. Montefilia2. Deauville Legend3. Stockman4. Realm Of FlowersMontefilia flashed home late to run fourth in the Caulfield Cup and goes well on soft ground. The favourite Deauville Legend has great form around El Bodegon and Secret State, while Stockman and Realm Of Flowers will both appreciate 3200 metres and the soft track. Apologies to Without A Fight, Lunar Flare and Vow and Declare.

DAMIEN RACTLIFFEThe Age1. Deauville Legend2. Without A Fight3. Young Werther4. MontefiliaThe top two favourites, both internationals, look to have the right form to be competitive in a race of this nature. Of the locals, I would certainly entertain Young Werther at an each-way price.

PETER RYANThe Age1. Deauville Legend2. Young Werther3. Serpentine4. Grand PromenadeThe hit-and-run mission from Deauville Legend is on track with scratchings giving him a class edge on his rivals. Only needs to get the two miles with Young Werther the main danger having run well in the Cox Plate.

MICHELLE PAYNECup-winning jockey, Network 101. Realm Of Flowers2. Without A Fight3. Knights Order4. Lunar FlareThe 50kgs for Realm of Flowers just looks so good! I love this mare. She stays, she handles wet conditions and she’s going really well. Ticks the most boxes.

ANDREW WUThe Age1. Gold Trip2. Deauville Legend3. Young Werther4. Hoo Ya MalIn a Cup lacking depth, Gold Trip’s class, as seen in 2020 Arc de Triomphe fourth, will go a long way. In form and gets preferred wet ground. Deauville Legend has form around Cox Plate placegetter.

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MICHAEL MANLEYThe Age1. Gold Trip2. Deauville Legend3. Smokin’ Romans4. Without A FightGold Trip has got the best traditional lead-up form for the Melbourne Cup. He was beaten in the final stride in the Caulfield Cup by an in-form stayer.