Sunshine breaks as Zahra targets Cup on Al Riffa horse
Elle
Nov 7th 2025
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Flemington Racecourse was illuminated by a lovely sunshine this morning as the sun kept on shining while the occasion was starting to attract big crowds and Al Riffa horse together with his rider Mark Zahra looked like the most likely winners by far of the 165th running of the 2025 Melbourne Cup. The race will commence at around 3 pm AEDT, and the total of rewards amounts to A$10 million.
Continuous heavy rain over the last few days has resulted in the Flemington turf being rated as Soft 6. This is going to be a tough test for the 24-horse field over the 3,200-metre distance. Although the track was still wet and it rained a bit earlier, the sun came out for this morning’s lead-up, and people in the stands and the pits were cheered up by it.
Al Riffa horse, trained by Joseph O’Brien, moved into favouritism after a massive $500,000 bet placed on him on Monday night. He carries top weight and draws barrier 19, but his staying form and Zahra’s strong Melbourne Cup record combine to underwrite his appeal.
Running close behind in the betting is Aussie-trained Half Yours, fresh off a Caulfield Cup triumph and set for barrier 8 under jockey Jamie Melham. Analysts point out that Half Yours’s lighter weight and proven soft-ground form may suit the race conditions well.
With recent showers and weather forecasts still hinting at rain, the track will favour horses proven on rain-affected turf. The soft rating has prompted backing for stayers comfortable on such ground. Al Riffa horse’s European background on similar surfaces gives him an edge in those eyes.
At the same time, a barrier draw that places Al Riffa horse wide could force extra work from early on. Meanwhile Half Yours enjoys a more favourable gate and lighter impost, tilting some interest his way.
Mark Zahra has tasted Cup success before and arrives at Flemington confident. His recent lead-up form has been strong, and he brings experience of winning in this race’s cauldron. For him and Al Riffa horse to combine for Cup glory would reinforce the pairing as a formidable combination.
Although the rain was expected to come down at night, people have been flocking to the grandstands and public areas from very early in the day. There were a few sections of the track that appeared muddy when the sun had not yet risen, however, the fact that it was shining bright and the good vibes were spreading everywhere, everyone was forgetting about the moisture.
On-course commentators noted stewards dealt with a protest in the opening race, and the mood now is one of focus, as anticipation climbs towards the main event.
As the field lines up and the stopwatch counts down, all indicators suggest a race open to several contenders, but Al Riffa horse and Zahra look best placed to rise under the race conditions and the weight. But the mix of weather forecast, barrier draws and stamina required means nothing is guaranteed.
Whether the sun stays out, or rain returns, the ground will play its part. Anyone backing a Cup winner today will be watching closely for endurance, agility and a clean trip from the barrier.
