Baker and King Take Aim at the 2026 Melbourne Cup With So You Are

The 2026 Melbourne Cup field is set, bringing together an international array of stayers and local contenders for the legendary 3200-meter race at Flemington. Among the most intriguing storylines heading into Tuesday's race is the partnership between trainer Bjorn Baker and jockey Rachel King, who will team up with the Australian-bred gelding So You Are.

So You Are secured his place in the select 24-horse field after winning the Bendigo Cup. Transferred to Baker's Warwick Farm stable in August from country trainer Stirling Osland, the five-year-old has won four of his five starts under Baker, all at the stakes level. Owned by Stuart Ramsey, the consistent stayer enters the race with strong credentials according to his trainer.

“When it comes to all the Europeans it’s a bit like licorice allsorts, you just don’t know what you’re what you’re going to get,” Baker said. “With this horse you do. He’s as honest as the day is long and will stay all day.” Baker is eager to capture a Melbourne Cup victory that narrowly eluded his legendary Hall of Fame father, Murray Baker, during his illustrious career.

The Baker and King alliance has blossomed into one of the most formidable in Australian racing. Since joining forces, the pair have combined for 122 victories and 182 placings across 820 starts, accumulating over $22 million in prize money. Their successful 2026 campaign has already featured Group 1 triumphs, including the Australian Derby with Green Spaces, where King became the first female jockey to win the historic race.

Meanwhile, trainer Chris Waller will also be strongly represented in Tuesday's feature race. Following a stellar weekend that included Group 1 victories with Stormy Marco in the Victoria Derby and Lady Shenandoah in the Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington, Waller will saddle up Soul Of Spain in the Melbourne Cup.

Jockey Tommy Berry, who recently guided the Waller-trained Travolta to victory in the Sydney Gold Cup, will take the ride on Soul Of Spain. Berry expressed confidence in the stayer, noting his previous second-place finish in the April Sydney Cup over the 3200-meter distance. “He’s got 3200-metre form there, and he’s trained by Chris Waller, and isn’t he having a carnival so far,” Berry said.

Across regional areas like New England, communities are preparing for the race that stops a nation with long lunches, fashion parades, and charity fundraisers. However, attention will ultimately center on Flemington on Tuesday, where a crowd of more than 80,000 racing fans will watch as the 2026 Melbourne Cup field vies for racing immortality.