O’Brien yards dominate international Melbourne Cup nominations

The prestigious Melbourne Cup for the year 2023 has attracted a total of 132 nominations.

Trainers and owners from countries including Japan, Ireland, England and New Zealand have submitted their contenders.

Among the internationals, Aidan O’Brien from Ireland leads with five nominations while his son Joseph O’Brien follows closely with three.

One of their entrants is Tower Of London, who holds third-favouritism after securing victory in the prestigious King George V at Leopardstown in June.

Another Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, has put forth two runners – Absurde and Vauban – both considered strong contenders for the race.

William Haggas is set to bring over Desert Hero, an undefeated runner who is owned by King Charles.

When it comes to trainers based in Australia, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace lead with a count of 17 runners.

Their defending champion, Gold Trip, is the obvious standout, but emerging stayers Right You Are and High Emocean will have plenty of admirers.

Chris Waller has put forward 14 contenders for the race that stops a nation, with Soulcombe and Francesco Guardi among the favourites.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, after losing their contender White Marlin due to injury, have nominated nine runners.

Their standout performers include Goldman, who won the Roy Higgins; Major Beel, the winner of ATC Derby; and Knights Order, who claimed victory in the 2022 Sydney Cup.

The Melbourne Cup will run on Tuesday, November 7, at the world-famous Flemington Racecourse in Victoria, Australia.

Melbourne Cup 2023 odds

As of Tuesday, September 5

• Soulcombe – +700
• Vauban – +700
• Francesco Guardi – +1000
• Goldman – +1000
• Lunar Flare – +1400
• Saint George – +1400
• Tower Of London – +1400
• Without A Fight – +1400
• Absurde – +1700
• Breakup – +1700

More quoted at Bovada