Kingsley Bartholomew's Melbourne Cup 2025 Best Bets & Tips

The 2025 Melbourne Cup is days away. My confidence levels are through the roof.

I've never put more work into a race in my life. Episode 4 is live - all 10 factors, every runner scored, and my final selections revealed.

I've scored every single horse out of 10. Ticks and crosses for all 10 factors: weight, trainer, running style, sectionals, distance, lead-up race, odds, breeding, track condition, and class.

The Crossed Horses

VALIANT KING - Everyone wants to tip him. I don't. Only won two races (maiden in Ireland, Bart Cummings). Failed at 3200m last year. Lacks class. At $7.50, he's under the odds. Pass.

HALF YOURS - Won Caulfield Cup perfectly, but it was a peach run. Never been past 2400m. Afterthought for the Cup - he was set for Caulfield. Not on him.

BUCKAROO - Needs fast pace but I'm not sure he runs strong 3200m. Slow pace, can't win. Fast pace, needs to be a strong stayer. Not keen at 7/10.

VAUBAN - No Australian run yet. 3/10. Form fallen off cliff. Pass.

MEYDAAN - Distance is a cross. Barrier 22. Going back, needs to be strong over 3200m. Pass.

MIDDLE EARTH - Didn't look like he got 2400m in Caulfield Cup. At 3200m? Pass.

The Track Condition

Soft 7 predicted. Lot of rain tipped Monday and Cup day. I've factored all my scores for soft 7.

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Watch Episode 4 to see every runner scored, the complete barrier draw analysis, and the final selections.

— Kingsley