The Melbourne Cup Carnival reaches its grand finale at Flemington, with three massive Group 1s headlining a blockbuster final day. The feature is the Champions Stakes, where a quality field will tackle 2000m in search of one final major prize.
We run the rule over every runner ahead of the big race.
TAB fixed odds correct as of 9am AEDT, 5th November 2026 (please visit tab.com.au for the latest).
1. Cosmic Crusader (11) - $3.20
The tick: In terrific form and is hard fit. The race should be run at a similar tempo to his Cox Plate win last start where he flew past his key rivals here. Excels on a soft track which he gets.
The knock: From barrier 11 he may need to settle out the back. If that's the case, he'll be hoping the projected southerly breeze, which may suit those up on speed, isn't a strong one.
2. Light Infantry Man (5) - $31.00
The tick: Once again he'll put himself on speed and will be one they need to chase down. Ran fifth in this race last year.
The knock: Got swallowed up in the Cox Plate over this distance last time out when he was chasing the hot tempo set by Land Legend and he may need to do that donkey work again.
3. Sir Delius (7) - $7.00
The tick: Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse seem confident he still had improvement to come following his Cox Plate disappointment. His best can win, especially if he gets a softer run, and we'd be foolish to deny a good stable...
The knock: There'll be concerns if he settles too close to a hot pace again like he did in the Cox Plate. He hasn't been running to his best, and may want further.
4. Attrition (9) - $71.00
The tick: Comes into this race fit and finished third at monster odds in the Group 1 Underwood (1800m) behind only Birdman and Cosmic Crusader.
The knock: Not a great soft-track record, and doesn't seem to be up to this level this late in the prep based on his Cox Plate run where too many were able to sprint past him.
5. Birdman (1) - $5.50
The tick: Got the better of Cosmic Crusader in the Underwood so there's proof his best is good enough. Huge run in the Cox Plate when second and should get a similarly soft run from barrier one again.
The knock: Might be better on top of the ground so won't want much rain. Though he was strong late last start he was blocked for a run from the inside and may need luck at the right stage again.
6. Land Legend (8) - $61.00
The tick: Group 1 winner at this distance two starts ago and will go to the front and make it a tough, genuinely run contest again. A strong southerly breeze will help his case from the front.
The knock: Still yet to win at Flemington from seven starts, and is very inconsistent.
7. Von Hauke (3) - $101.00
The tick: I'm digging pretty deep to make a case... In the end, this is sport, and upsets can happen.
The knock: He's just not up to this class. First attempt at the trip.
8. Sabaj (10) - $34.00
The tick: Nice winner on Cup Day to turn his form around and I like the rise in distance for him.
The knock: Keeps getting outclassed when racing in Group 1 company.
9. Omni Man (6) - $14.00
The tick: Interesting runner for Joseph O'Brien. Thought he was awesome in the Geelong Cup placing behind Melbourne Cup winner Point Of Law and clocking the fastest last 400m of the race. If the speed is genuine it'll suit him.
The knock: Seems to be better suited over further, and faces some classy opposition.
10. Aeliana (4) - $3.00
The tick: The clear map horse of the race who can settle closer than when she was forced wide on the bend in the Cox Plate and only narrowly beaten.
The knock: Is she a better Sydney horse? Does she want further? Maybe, maybe not. But they're the queries nonetheless.
11. Treasurethe Moment (2) - $23.00
The tick: Definitely has the class to measure up here and maps well from barrier two. Thought she closed off pretty well in the Caulfield Cup. Winner at this track and distance.
The knock: Hasn't produced her best form for a long time.
SELECTIONS:
10. Aeliana
1. Cosmic Crusader
5. Birdman
3. Sir Delius