Middle Earth knows exactly what it takes to run the Melbourne Cup trip: the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer finished third behind Half Yours in the 2025 Cup, one of the best runs of the race. He found his best form late over the Brisbane winter carnival and arrives at $18 for the 2026 edition as the proven commodity among the local hopes.
Cup history loves a placegetter returning twelve months later — the fitness edge, the course knowledge and the handicap squeeze all tend to favour them. Maher, who trains Gold Trip (2022 Cup winner) and now holds 14 Cup nominations, knows the formula intimately. Middle Earth is the pick of his stable for punters wanting a horse that's already shown its hand at Flemington.