Trainer Joseph O’Brien is preparing to enter up to ten horses in this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup, with jockey Saffie Osborne potentially securing one of the riding assignments. O’Brien, who won Australia’s premier race twice before with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020, has assembled a strong team including Highwayman, the recent St Leger winner, and James J Braddock, who finished third in the Derby.

O’Brien noted that it is common practice to develop a program throughout the summer for any horse that might qualify for the Melbourne Cup, emphasizing the interest of many owners in having representation in the race. “This year it looks like a lot of them have a chance to make the field,” he said.

Highwayman’s recent victory at Doncaster marked a milestone for jockey Saffie Osborne, who became the first female rider to claim a British Classic win. The O’Brien stable dominated the event, finishing first and second. O’Brien praised Osborne’s consistent performances over several seasons but indicated that final riding decisions have yet to be made. The team awaits clarification on the mounts of fellow jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle before confirming who will ride O’Brien’s horses.

In the Melbourne Cup handicapping, O’Brien’s Group Two winner Sons And Lovers was assigned the highest weight among his entries. Trustyourinstinct, alongside last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes—both owned by JP McManus—are also among the contenders representing O’Brien’s stable.

British bookmakers list Defiantly, O’Brien’s Prix Kergorlay winner, as the 10-1 favorite for the Melbourne Cup. Highwayman is offered at 14-1, with James J Braddock quoted at 16-1. The field and final riding selections will continue to take shape as the prestigious event approaches.