Irish Eyes Will Be Smiling: Al Riffa To Teach Aussies A Lesson On Their Own Soil
From a rainy corner of Ireland, I’m watching the countdown to the 2025 Melbourne Cup with a bit of a grin.
Yes, Australia’s got the home turf, the atmosphere and plenty of confidence. But Ireland?
We’ve got a horse with staying power, form and a quiet appetite to come over and remind the locals how we do it.
Al Riffa – The Irish Machine Built For 3200m
Trained by the accomplished Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Mark Zahra, Al Riffa comes to Flemington with topweight of 59 kg and a Bet365 price of around A$8.00 to win. Not bad for a horse clearly built for this kind of job.
He left no doubt when he romped home in the Group 1 Irish St Leger over 2816m at The Curragh, by about four lengths, showing that he doesn’t just stay - he does so with authority.
Afterwards, O’Brien admitted: "He’s a multiple Group 1 winner - he’s going to carry a lot more weight, but he’s going to carry it because he’s a very high‑class horse."
The boss of the owners added: "He’ll need to carry weight because they won’t miss him, but I feel sure he’s the right horse to do that. Joseph knows how to win the race."
So, yes, this lad has the credentials. If the Melbourne Cup becomes a test of stamina, patience, grit and finishing power, he’s primed.
If the pace collapses, the ground deepens, and the locals begin to fade - well, let’s just say the green flag might get a bit of a wave.
The Locals – Proud, Strong, But Watch How The Two Miles Turn Out
Australia’s got a line‑up that’ll have the crowd roaring:
- Half Yours (53 kg) – A genuine staying local hope, recent domestic winner and a Bet365 price of around A$5.00.
- Valiant King (51 kg) – Solid staying form, home advantage, priced about A$7.50.
- Buckaroo (57 kg) – A bigger task for him and priced at ~A$9.00.
The locals know the track, know the atmosphere and might feel comfortable in their surroundings.
In a race like this, however, when two miles is more marathon than sprint, familiarity isn’t enough.
The one with that staying class often strolls by when the others are gasping. And Al Riffa might just be that one.
The Irish Outsider – A Cheeky Nod To Value
Then there’s Absurde (53.5 kg), trained by the legendary Willie Mullins.
Priced about A$17.00 with Bet365, he’s the kind of outsider Irish punters love.
He ran an eye‑catching race behind Half Yours at Caulfield, showing his staying ability and his knowledge of how to travel.
If the going gets testing and the race becomes a grind rather than a dash, he could be the one punters look back on and say, "Remember when we took a chance on the Irish and he popped up?"
Why The Irish Are Smiling
The Melbourne Cup often comes down to one thing: who stays when the rest wilt. The winner frequently wakes up in the final 400–600m while others are sniffing defeat.
Al Riffa fits that mould. The locals may have home turf, but home turf doesn’t always guarantee the best stayer wins.
If rain arrives, the ground softens, the pace drops and it all becomes about heart and stamina - the Irish import quietly becomes king of the backyard.
Yes, there’s a little Irish cheek in knowing we’re crossing continents, heading to the Aussie party and maybe leaving with the trophy.
Final Word
If you asked me to pick one, I’d back Al Riffa. Class, form, attitude - and a price that still gives value.
If you like the local angle, Half Yours and Valiant King are both excellent, while if you like an each‑way punt and wouldn’t mind punters’ regret later… Absurde is your ticket.
So, pack the green flag, polish the Guinness glass and get ready for a Tuesday when Irish eyes might just be smiling, while the Aussies scratch their heads, wondering how we keep doing this down under.
Who's your pick for this year's Melbourne Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
