**The Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Melbourne Cup Field**
The Horses
The 2023 Melbourne Cup field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With a total of 24 horses vying for the coveted prize, there is sure to be plenty of excitement on race day.
Here is a closer look at some of the key contenders:
- Anamoe (IRE): The current favorite, Anamoe is a three-year-old colt who has won his last five starts, including the Group 1 Cox Plate. He is trained by James Cummings and will be ridden by Craig Williams.
- Deauville Legend (IRE): Another three-year-old colt, Deauville Legend has also been impressive in recent starts, winning the Group 1 Caulfield Cup. He is trained by Aidan O'Brien and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.
- El Bodegon (IRE): A four-year-old gelding, El Bodegon has won two of his last three starts, including the Group 1 Irish St. Leger. He is trained by Joseph O'Brien and will be ridden by Shane Foley.
- Montefilia (AUS): A five-year-old mare, Montefilia has won seven of her last eight starts, including the Group 1 Caulfield Cup last year. She is trained by David Payne and will be ridden by Jason Collett.
- Incentivise (AUS): A six-year-old gelding, Incentivise is a former Group 1 winner who has been in excellent form this year. He is trained by Peter Moody and will be ridden by Brett Prebble.
The Trainers
The trainers of the 2023 Melbourne Cup field are some of the most experienced and successful in the world. Here is a closer look at some of the key trainers:
* **James Cummings**: Cummings is one of Australia's leading trainers, having won multiple Group 1 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 2015 with Prince of Penzance.
* **Aidan O'Brien**: O'Brien is one of the most successful trainers in the world, having won multiple Classics and Group 1 races in Europe. He has also won the Melbourne Cup twice, with Yeats in 2006 and 2007.
* **Joseph O'Brien**: O'Brien is the son of Aidan O'Brien and has also enjoyed great success as a trainer, having won multiple Group 1 races in Europe.
* **David Payne**: Payne is one of Australia's most experienced trainers, having won multiple Group 1 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 2019 with Vow and Declare.
* **Peter Moody**: Moody is another leading Australian trainer, having won multiple Group 1 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 2013 with Fiorente.
The Jockeys
The jockeys riding in the 2023 Melbourne Cup are some of the best in the world. Here is a closer look at some of the key jockeys:
* **Craig Williams**: Williams is one of Australia's leading jockeys, having won multiple Group 1 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 2015 with Prince of Penzance.
* **Ryan Moore**: Moore is one of the most successful jockeys in the world, having won multiple Classics and Group 1 races in Europe. He has also won the Melbourne Cup twice, with Yeats in 2006 and 2007.
* **Shane Foley**: Foley is one of Ireland's leading jockeys, having won multiple Group 1 races. He has also ridden in the Melbourne Cup before, finishing second in 2020 with Tiger Moth.
* **Jason Collett**: Collett is one of Australia's rising stars, having won multiple Group 1 races. He rode Montefilia to victory in the Caulfield Cup last year.
* **Brett Prebble**: Prebble is one of Australia's most experienced jockeys, having won multiple Group 1 races, including the Melbourne Cup in 2010 with Americain.
The Favorites
According to the latest betting odds, Anamoe is the current favorite to win the 2023 Melbourne Cup. Deauville Legend and El Bodegon are also among the leading contenders. However, there are a number of other horses in the field who could challenge for the win.
Here are the top five favorites according to the latest betting odds:
1. Anamoe (IRE)
2. Deauville Legend (IRE)
3. El Bodegon (IRE)
4. Montefilia (AUS)
5. Incentivise (AUS)
The Underdogs
There are a number of horses in the 2023 Melbourne Cup field who could be considered underdogs. These horses may not be among the favorites, but they have the potential to surprise on race day.
Here are three horses who could be considered underdogs to win the 2023 Melbourne Cup:
* **Serpentine (IRE)**: A four-year-old colt, Serpentine won the Group 1 Epsom Derby last year. He has not been in the best of form this year, but he could be a threat if he returns to his best.
* **Tralee Rose (IRE)**: A five-year-old mare, Tralee Rose has won two of her last three starts. She is trained by Joseph O'Brien and will be ridden by Shane Foley.
* **Young Werther (GER)**: A four-year-old colt, Young Werther has won three of his last four starts. He is trained by Andreas Wohler and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.
The Longshots
There are a number of horses in the 2023 Melbourne Cup field who could be considered longshots. These horses are not expected to win, but they could surprise on race day.
Here are three horses who could be considered longshots to win the 2023 Melbourne Cup:
* **Knuckle Down (AUS)**: A five-year-old gelding, Knuckle Down has won two of his last three starts. He is trained by John O'Shea and will be ridden by Hugh Bowman.
* **Stockman (NZ)**: A four-year-old gelding, Stockman has won two of his last four starts. He is trained by Andrew Forsman and will be ridden by Damian Lane.
* **Willowy (GB)**: A five-year-old mare, Willowy has won two of her last five starts. She is trained by Ralph Beckett and will be ridden by James Doyle.
The Race
The 2023 Melbourne Cup will be run on Tuesday, November 7th at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. The race will be broadcast live around the world.
The Melbourne Cup is a handicap race, which means that the horses will carry different weights based on their perceived ability. The weights are assigned by the handicapper, who takes into account a number of factors, including the horse's age, sex, form, and previous performances.
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is a truly global event, with horses from all over the world competing for the coveted prize.
The Prize
The winner of the 2023 Melbourne Cup will receive a total of $8 million in prize money. This is one of the richest horse races in the world.
The prize money is distributed as follows:
* **1st place**: $4 million
* **2nd place**: $2 million
* **3rd place**: $1 million
* **4th place**: $500,000
* **5th place**: $250,000
* **6th place**: $100,000
* **7th place**: $50,000
* **8th place**: $25,000
The History
The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861. It was originally known as the Melbourne Stakes. The race was renamed the Melbourne Cup in 1877.
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most iconic races in the world. It is known as the "race that stops a nation". The race is a public holiday in Victoria, and it is estimated that over one million people watch the race live on television.
The Melbourne Cup has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, and Winx. The race is a true test of stamina and endurance, and it is one of the most challenging races in the world to win.
The Controversies
The Melbourne Cup has been marred by controversy in recent years. In 2019, the race was won by Vow and Declare, who was later found to have tested positive for a banned substance. The horse's trainer was disqualified, and the win was stripped from the horse.
In 2020, the race was won by Twilight Payment, who was trained by Joseph O'
