Buckaroo remains favourite for the 2024 Melbourne Cup but has been pushed out from $5 to $5.50 after drawing wide in barrier 21. Vauban has attracted some immediate bets of note with TAB after landing gate 11 as did Zardozi who has shortened from $21 to $17 after securing barrier four, while Sea King tightened from $10 into $9 with barrier one.

“Punters are yet to find an absolute standout in the Melbourne Cup so far as reflected by those at the top of the market,” TAB’s Gerard Daffy said.

“Where money flows over the next 48 hours will be an interesting watch as punters weigh up the internationals and ex-internationals and what translates into Flemington form, but there’s not that huge push for one or two leading options that we sometimes see in the Cup.

“Heading into the barrier draw Buckaroo held around 9% of investments with TAB, Vauban had been the most popular over the last week to take up close to 8% of outlays while interest in Onesmoothoperator had dried up as of Friday with that injury cloud.

“The next bracket of horses have around 4-5%, with Absurde, Land Legend and Interpretation holding more than Sea King who was trimmed in price following the Bendigo Cup win rather than weight of money as it was as long as $101 at one stage.

“Zardozi has obviously attracted interest, Kovalica is always popular with TAB punters, while Circle Of Fire and Okita Soushi are also solidly backed. Positivity looked the best supported of the outsiders prior to the draw.

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Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.