Melbourne Cup · 5 Oct 2026
The Cup Picture Tightens as Maher's Stayers Climb the Order
Weekend wins earned Mr Monaco and Juja Kibo new Melbourne Cup weights — and moved both closer to the first Tuesday in November.
Ciaron Maher's staying team emerged from the weekend with two trophies and a reshaped Melbourne Cup hand. Racing Victoria's handicappers have reassessed Mr Monaco and Juja Kibo after their wins at Flemington and Randwick.
Mr Monaco received a 1.5-kilogram Melbourne Cup penalty for winning the Bart Cummings and will now carry 52.5 kilograms. His ballot exemption already guaranteed a start, but the new weight places his performance alongside the established Cup form around him.
Juja Kibo was handed a two-kilogram Melbourne Cup penalty after defeating key rivals in The Metropolitan, taking him to 53.5 kilograms and 34th in the order of entry. He also rises one kilogram to 52 kilograms in the Caulfield Cup.
Penalties are never presents, but in a race where making the final 24 is half the contest, both horses now sit squarely in the spring conversation.
This is racing coverage and editorial opinion, not financial advice. Enjoy the day and keep it social.