Quick Read

The 2025 Caulfield Cup will be run on Saturday, October 18, at Caulfield Racecourse, starting at 5:15PM AEDT.Eighteen horses are confirmed for the final field, including international and local contenders.Prize money totals $5 million, with $3 million awarded to the winner.Live coverage is available via Channel 7, 7two, Sky Racing 1, and online bookmaker streams.Vauban and Presage Nocturne are early favorites, but the race remains wide open.

Every October, the racing world turns its gaze to Melbourne, where the Caulfield Cup stakes its claim as one of Australia’s most coveted horse races. In 2025, anticipation is peaking again as the Group 1 Caulfield Cup prepares to thunder down the 2400-meter stretch at Caulfield Racecourse, promising high drama, big money, and the country’s finest equine athletes.

Who’s in the Running? Full Field and Barriers for Caulfield Cup 2025

The excitement builds not just from the race itself, but from the field—a dynamic mix of international and local stars. This year, 18 horses will compete, each with their own strengths, stories, and connections hoping for glory. The starting barriers, always a point of intrigue, can make or break a horse’s chances, and the 2025 draw has set up some fascinating tactical battles.

Vauban (FR) – Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott; Jockey: Blake Shinn; Barrier: 13; Weight: 58.5kgPresage Nocturne (IRE) – Alessandro Botti; Stephane Pasquier; Barrier: 8; 57.5kgMiddle Earth (GB) – Ciaron Maher; Mark Zahra; Barrier: 3; 56.5kgMeydaan (IRE) – Simon & Ed Crisford; Andrea Atzeni; Barrier: 5; 56kgAbsurde (FR) – Willie Mullins; Ben Allen; Barrier: 1; 55.5kgLand Legend (FR) – Chris Waller; Jamie Mott; Barrier: 15; 55.5kgZardozi – Ciaron Maher; Harry Coffey; Barrier: 11; 54.5kgAdelaide River (IRE) – Kris Lees; Jordan Childs; Barrier: 9; 54kgBankers Choice (NZ) – Ben, Will & JD Hayes; Billy Egan; Barrier: 14; 54kgDeakin (FR) – Phillip Stokes; Daniel Stackhouse; Barrier: 7; 54kgGolden Snap (JPN) – Katsunori Tanaka; Suguru Hamanaka; Barrier: 18; 53.5kgRevelare – Robert Hickmott; Luke Currie; Barrier: 12; 53.5kgRiver Of Stars (IRE) – Chris Waller; Beau Mertens; Barrier: 4; 53.5kgBirdman (IRE) – Chris Waller; Teo Nugent; Barrier: 10; 52.5kgHalf Yours – Tony & Calvin McEvoy; Ms Jamie Melham; Barrier: 2; 52.5kgRoyal Supremacy (IRE) – Ciaron Maher; Robbie Dolan; Barrier: 6; 52.5kgValiant King (GB) – Chris Waller; Jye McNeil; Barrier: 16; 52kgPlymouth – Ben, Will & JD Hayes; Ms Celine Gaudray; Barrier: 17; 51kg

With such a deep and varied field, punters and fans alike will be scrutinizing the form and the draw, looking for an edge. According to Just Horse Racing, favorites like Vauban and Presage Nocturne are attracting attention, but history shows the Caulfield Cup is often won by a dark horse who finds the perfect run.

Prize Money: What’s at Stake?

The Caulfield Cup doesn’t just offer prestige—it delivers serious financial reward. The total prize pool stands at a staggering $5 million, making it one of the richest staying handicaps on the calendar. Here’s how the winnings break down:

1st place: $3,000,0002nd: $700,0003rd: $350,0004th: $200,0005th: $150,0006th-10th: $120,000 each

Even horses finishing outside the top five can earn a significant payday, underlining why connections from around the world target this race.

Race Time, TV, and Live Streaming: How to Watch the Cup

Set your clock: the Caulfield Cup is scheduled for 5:15PM AEDT, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Caulfield Racecourse. For fans keen to catch every stride, coverage is comprehensive:

Free-to-air: Channel 7 and 7two will broadcast the race live across Australia.Pay TV: Sky Racing 1 offers coverage for Foxtel subscribers.Online streaming: Major bookmakers such as swiftbet and dabble provide free live streams to registered users, making it easy to watch from anywhere.

Whether you’re tuning in from home, the pub, or trackside, the spectacle is accessible to all. This year’s digital options mean you won’t miss a beat—even if you’re on the move.

Odds and Betting Insights: Who’s Favored?

On the eve of the Cup, bookmakers are busy adjusting their odds as punters pile in. The early favorites include Vauban, who brings impressive European form, and Presage Nocturne, an Irish raider who’s shown consistency at Group level. But the field is deep, with horses like Middle Earth and Meydaan holding value appeal.

According to Racenet, expert tipsters are divided, with some leaning towards the proven stamina of international runners, while others see opportunity in local stayers who know the Caulfield track. The race’s handicap conditions add another layer of intrigue, leveling the playing field and offering hope for underdogs.

For those planning a wager, responsible betting is strongly encouraged. The thrill of the Cup is best enjoyed with clear limits and a focus on the sport itself.

The Human Story: Triumphs and Challenges Behind the Scenes

Every runner in the Caulfield Cup carries more than statistics—they bring stories of ambition, setbacks, and resilience. As Brisbane Times recently recounted, the tale of Without A Fight’s win two years ago is a reminder that the road to Cup glory is rarely smooth. Illness, uncertainty, and the pressure of race day all play a part behind the scenes. In the final minutes before the jump, trainers and owners are often wrestling with nerves and hope, knowing that fortunes can swing in a heartbeat.

These narratives add depth to the spectacle, connecting the audience with the people and animals striving for success. As the field assembles, each connection dreams of their own moment in the winner’s circle—knowing that history is written not just by the victors, but by all who compete.

Looking Ahead: The Cup’s Place in Racing and Culture

The Caulfield Cup is more than a race—it’s a social event, a sporting tradition, and a showcase of international equine talent. Its results often shape the field for the Melbourne Cup, just weeks away, making it a pivotal moment in the spring carnival. For trainers, jockeys, owners, and fans, it represents months of preparation and a lifetime of ambition.

As race day approaches, Melbourne buzzes with expectation. The city’s hospitality venues fill with fans, and punters across the country study the form guides, hoping to spot the winner. The Caulfield Cup’s enduring appeal lies in its unpredictability—any horse, given the right run, can etch its name into racing folklore.

When the gates fly open on Saturday, the Caulfield Cup will once again deliver drama, heart, and the thrill of possibility. In a field packed with talent and stories, only one will emerge victorious—but every participant, from champion to longshot, adds a vital thread to the tapestry of Australian racing.