As the 2025 Melbourne Cup approaches, punters will be looking for every possible edge over the bookies.
Track conditions will no doubt factor in to calculations, with some runners preferring softer ground, while others like it firm under foot.
Read on for all the latest information on the Flemington Racecourse track rating and the weather forecast ahead of the race.
MORE MELBOURNE CUP
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Melbourne Cup track condition
The Melbourne Cup will be run at Flemington racecourse on Tuesday, November 4.
Currently, the track is rated a Soft 7, but that could change before the big race.
On Saturday, Flemington hosted Victoria Derby Day, with a full race card certain to have put some wear into the track.
The rail has been moved out 2m following Derby Day.
Additionally, a significant volume of rain is expected ahead of the Melbourne Cup, which could contribute to a further downgrade of the track.
Melbourne Cup: Weather outlook
It looks like it could be a wet Cup day this year, with up to 30mm of rain predicted ahead of the race.
Check back for updated forecasts.
| Date | Forecast |
| Monday 3/11 | Heavy rain, 12-16 degrees, 20-40mm |
| Tuesday 4/11 | Possible thunderstorm, 10-16 degrees, 1-5mm |
Melbourne Cup 2025: Field, gates, odds
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Al Riffa (19) | Mark Zahra | Joseph O'Brien | $7.50 |
| 2. Buckaroo (12) | Craig Williams | Chris Waller | $9 |
| 3. Arapaho (15) | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker | $41 |
| 4. Vauban (2) | Blake Shinn | G Waterhouse & A Bott | $23 |
| 5. Chevalier Rose (5) | Damian Lane | Hisashi Shimizu | $34 |
| 6. Presage Nocturn (9) | Stephane Pasquier | Alessandro Botti | $8.50 |
| 7. Middle Earth (13) | Ethan Brown | Ciaron Maher | $41 |
| 8. Meydaan (22) | James McDonald | Simon & E Crisford | $20 |
| 9. Absurde (4) | Kerrin McEvoy | Willie Mullins | $19 |
| 10. Flatten The Curve (17) | Thore Hammer Hansen | Henk Grewe | $21 |
| 11. Land Legend (16) | Joao Moreira | Chris Waller | $61 |
| 12. Smokin' Romans (11) | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher | $61 |
| 13. Changingoftheguard (24) | Tim Clark | Kris Lees | $61 |
| 14. Half Yours (8) | Jamie Melham | Tony & C McEvoy | $7.50 |
| 15. More Felons (23) | Tommy Berry | Chris Waller | $41 |
| 16. Onesmoothoperator (6) | Harry Coffey | Brian Ellison | $31 |
| 17. Further (7) | Michael Dee | Andrew Balding | $26 |
| 18. Parchment Party (3) | John Velazquez | William Mott | $51 |
| 19. Athabascan (1) | Declan Bates | J O'Shea & T Charlton | $81 |
| 20. Goodie Two Shoes (20) | Wayne Lordan | Joseph O'Brien | $41 |
| 21. River Of Stars (14) | Beau Mertens | Chris Waller | $17 |
| 22. Royal Supremacy (21) | Robbie Dolan | Ciaron Maher | $31 |
| 23. Torranzino (18) | Celine Gaudray | Paul Preusker | $34 |
| 24. Valiant King (10) | Jye McNeil | Chris Waller | $8 |