In The Lab: Racelab ratings reveal the best of the Melbourne Cup internationals

Racelab’s Matt Collum has assessed the overseas contenders using Racelab’s ratings system, weighing up their recent performances, handicap weights and likely suitability to Australian conditions.

To learn more about Racelab, please click here.

The following previews assess each international runner’s lead-up form, class, stamina, weight and suitability for the 3200m at Flemington, incorporating Racelab ratings and individual ratings-profile appeal.

1. Defiantly | Best Racelab Rating: 112

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Weight: 56.5kg

Defiantly arrives in Melbourne with compelling staying credentials after winning the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay over 3000m in France, where he led throughout to score by five and a half lengths. He had also won the 4150m Goodwood Handicap and finished second in the 4000m Ascot Stakes, demonstrating his ability to sustain an effort over marathon distances. However, he is very one-paced and has benefited from controlling small fields in muddling tempos overseas. He is unlikely to have the race run to suit here, making him vulnerable if the tempo lifts and he is unable to dictate.

2. Point Of Law | Best Racelab Rating: 108

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Trainer: Ciaron Maher | Jockey: Ethan Brown | Weight: 53kg

Point Of Law has emerged as a leading local contender after winning the Geelong Cup, securing his place in the field with an impressive staying performance. The son of Frankel has shown considerable promise since joining Ciaron Maher, while his light weight of 53kg gives him an appealing handicap profile. The Melbourne Cup represents a significant rise in class, and his stamina at the full 3200m remains a key consideration. However, he has the potential to improve further and appeals as one of the more progressive runners in the field. Looks hard to beat.

3. Sons And Lovers | Best Racelab Rating: 109

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Weight: 57.5kg

Sons And Lovers brings strong European form to Melbourne, having established himself as a capable Group-level performer with two Group 2 victories. Joseph O’Brien expects the return to a longer distance to suit, and his recent performances suggest he is racing in good form. However, 57.5kg is a significant impost, particularly for a horse yet to establish himself over the Melbourne Cup distance. Ryan Moore is an important booking for a race requiring patience and tactical judgement. The distance looks suitable, but he needs to overcome the weight to feature prominently.

4. Trustyourinstinct | Best Racelab Rating: 112

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: James McDonald | Weight: 57kg

Trustyourinstinct has produced an impressive campaign, highlighted by victory in the Group 2 Curragh Cup over 2816m before finishing fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger over the same distance. He possesses a strong finishing burst and has already won over 3200m, an important advantage in a race where stamina is essential. His backmarker racing pattern means he will need a genuine tempo and a clear passage at the business end, while 57kg leaves little margin for error. A serious winning chance with proven staying ability and a powerful turn of foot if the race is run to suit.

5. Goodie Two Shoes | Best Racelab Rating: 107

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Wayne Lordan | Weight: 55kg

Goodie Two Shoes returns after finishing second in last year’s Melbourne Cup, giving her valuable experience at Flemington and over the 3200m distance. She has continued to perform strongly, highlighted by victory in the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes over 2816m at Goodwood. Her record at two miles is a major positive, and the 55kg impost enhances her appeal. However, her latest rating of 96 is well below her peak of 107, and she needs to find significant improvement to be competitive again. Her proven Cup credentials demand respect, but she needs to lift considerably on her latest performance.

6. James J Braddock | Best Racelab Rating: 104

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Craig Williams | Weight: 53.5kg

James J Braddock has the potential to be well handicapped at 53.5kg, particularly given his third placing in the Epsom Derby earlier in his career. After disappointing in the Irish Derby, he was gelded and subsequently showed improved professionalism when returning in the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes, finishing less than four lengths from the winner. His latest preparation will be important in determining whether he is ready for the demands of a Melbourne Cup, with the two-mile distance still presenting a challenge. Craig Williams brings valuable experience, having won the race in 2019. A lightly weighted European runner with upside if his class and stamina translate to the staying test.

7. Enfjaar | Best Racelab Rating: 108

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Trainer: Roger Varian | Jockey: Ray Dawson | Weight: 56kg

Enfjaar arrives in Melbourne following an excellent third in the Caulfield Cup, where he raced prominently and looked a genuine winning chance before being outsprinted late by Kingswood and Saint George. That performance followed an encouraging Group 3 victory at Goodwood over 2400m, suggesting he has found form at the right time. His ability to race on speed is an advantage, but he remains untested over 3200m and will need to prove he can sustain his effort over the extra distance. A strong Caulfield Cup performance makes him a genuine contender, provided his stamina holds over two miles.

8. Wine Dark Sea | Best Racelab Rating: 107

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Trainer: Harry Charlton | Jockey: TBC | Weight: 56kg

Wine Dark Sea makes his Australian debut after developing his staying credentials in Britain. His profile suggests the emphasis will be on stamina and settling into a genuine staying rhythm, both essential requirements over the Flemington two miles. The key question is whether his European form is strong enough to translate to a Melbourne Cup against seasoned local and international opposition. Without an established Australian record, conditions and race tempo will be important factors in assessing his prospects. An interesting overseas stayer, but he needs to demonstrate that he has the class and stamina to compete at this level after a disappointing Caulfield Cup.

9. Hopewell Rock | Best Racelab Rating: 106

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Trainer: George Boughey | Jockey: Zac Lloyd | Weight: 54.5kg

Hopewell Rock brings solid British staying form to Melbourne, having finished second in the Ebor Handicap at York over 2800m. Two runs ago, he defeated Small Fry at Goodwood, who has since won over two miles before finishing a fast-finishing second behind Point Of Law in the Geelong Cup. This provides an encouraging form reference heading into the Melbourne Cup. His 54.5kg impost gives him a reasonable platform, although the step to 3200m remains the key test. Zac Lloyd’s booking adds local riding experience, and his consistent ratings profile is appealing. A major chance with a solid 105–106 rating base and the potential to improve over the extra distance.

10. Stinger Glass (JPN) | Best Racelab rating: 108

Ratings Profile Appeal: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi | Jockey: Christophe Lemaire | Weight: 57kg

Stinger Glass has an excellent overall Japanese record and won the Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 3400m earlier this year. He also finished second in the Group 2 Copa Republica Argentina and won the Sapporo Nikkei Sho over 2600m.

However, his latest run was a disappointing 13th in the Takarazuka Kinen, where he was well beaten on rain-affected going. He has the stamina and international class, but the latest run is a concern.

A fascinating wildcard. His Japanese staying form makes him dangerous if he rebounds, although he will need to improve from his peak rating of 108 to give this a shake.

Overall assessment

My three preferred runners from the international contingent:

1. Point Of Law — ★★★★½

Progressive profile, favourable weight and strong ratings-profile appeal. Will benefit from a run in Aus.

2. Trustyourinstinct — ★★★★☆

Proven over two miles, with the finishing burst to be competitive in a genuinely run race.

3. Hopewell Rock — ★★★★☆

Consistent ratings and encouraging staying form, strong ratings base reference.

These selections combine ratings strength, staying credentials and potential for further improvement. The final assessment will depend on the expected tempo, barrier draw and how each runner is positioned throughout the 3200m contest.