7
Came sixth in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and second in The BMW, both in April 2012, and fourth in the Caulfield Cup late October 2012.
Alain de Royer-Dupre
Huge amounts of money has been bet on the big and strong Americain. Again drawing an unlucky barrier (12). A horse from this barrier has never won the Cup. Only a few have won it at age 7. But he'll be right up there, so must be - A contender.
5
Has won all of his (3) races this year. Has not raced since 18 August 2012 after winning the Geoffrey Freer Stakes in the UK.
Luca Cumani
The numbers are favourable. Barrier 8 and age 5. This is a winning combination, but the main thing is of course that Mount Athos has an excellent turn of foot and he just might devastate the field. A contender.
5
Won the Prix Maurice De Nieuil in July 2012 clearly beating second favourite Brigantin.
Alain Lyon
Unless it rains... and I wouldn't be surprised if it hailed in Melbourne, but the weather forecast does looks sunny and mild. Not a contender (unless the track is soft).
4
Won the Glorious Stakes in the UK. Was a disappointing fifth in the Caulfield Cup late October 2012.
Luca Cumani
What a shame to draw barrier 1. It's not that barrier 1 has never won, it has, but it's a tough barrier because it doesn't give the jockey much options when you're stuck on the rails. Not a contender.
4
Came second in the Lucien Barriere Grand Prix de Deauville, and won the 2012 Geelong Cup
John Gosden
NOT RACING
6
Won the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) in 2011. Was second last in the 2012 Caulfield Cup.
Mark Kavanagh
NOT RACING
6
Won the American St. Leger Stakes in August 2012. Was 13th in the 2012 Caulfield Cup.
Marco Botti
The wide barrier 19 has had some success. Just not so sure about Jakkalberry after the flop in the Caulfield Cup. But often horses bounce back from a bad race. Still... Not a contender.
6
Famously won the Melbourne Cup 2011. Won the 2012 Caulfied Cup! Incredible horse.
Mikel Delzangles
Drew a great barrier (16) so hopes are high in the Dunaden camp. Owner Sheikh Fahd Al Thani says Dunaden is only 80 percent fit - sounds like mind games to me. A contender.
6
Multi-talented stayer who also competes in hurdling races. Proven record at 3200m (Melbourne Cup distance).
Dermott Weld
Drew barrier 11 but hasn't raced since August. Has been training in Werribee so the form is unknown. A contender.
3
Won the Australian Derby (2400m) in April 2012. Fourth in the ultra competitive Cox Plate.
Pat Carey
Drawing the most successful barrier (14) the only thing going against Ethiopia is his age. 3 year olds haven't won often and he might not be mature enough to win. But still, must be - A contender.
4
Comfortably won the Princess of Wales's Goldsmiths Stakes in July 2012 beating Red Cadeaux, Harris Tweed, Modun.
Michael Stoute
Hasn't raced in Australia. Not a contender.
5
Won the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) in October 2012. Disappointing 7th in the Cox Plate.
Robert Hickmott
Was 7th in the Cox Plate but looking at past race history Green Moon usually bounces back in emphatic style. A contender.
6
Famous from the 2012 photo finish, edged out by Dunaden by a nose. Proven stayer.
Ed Dunlop
Hasn't raced since July. Still who can forget Red Cadeaux charging to almost win the Cup last year, therefore must be - A contender.
5
Making a comeback in 2012 after a all sorts of illnesses. Was 5th in the 2012 Geelong Cup. Is the dark horse in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.
Hawkes brothers
A very fast horse in the perfect age group to win. Placed nicely between barriers 5 and 16, so must be a - A contender.
6
Has had a win or placing in every race this year (won The BMW (2400m) in April 2012) but then disappointed in the Underwood Stakes (6th).
Peter Moody
NOT RACING
5
Won everything since coming to Australia (5 in a row) but then flopped in the Caulfield Cup (15th).
Gai Waterhouse
After the disappointing Caulfied Cup perhaps his form peaked early October when he won the Metropolitan. Not a contender.
?
Was second to Glencadam Gold in the Metropolitan, and won the Luxes Stakes clearly beating the highly regarded Gatewood. Waller will now take over the training of Gatewood.
Chris Waller
Coming to peak form? This unknown horse could upset the favourites. A contender.
