Melbourne Cup 2018 form guide, winner, horses, tips, odds, barriers, analysis, who will win

Simon Marshall is a former champion jockey and 15-times Group 1 winner. He gives us his insights into all the runners in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.

BEST SOLUTION is a Caulfield Cup winner who's drawn in gate six. He's never raced beyond 2400m and he's got to carry topweight of 57.5kg.

Melbourne Cup 2018 form guide, winner, horses, tips, odds, barriers and analysis.

The Cliffsofmoher finished third in the Caulfield Cup. He's got a nice alley, one of the world's best jockeys in Ryan Moore and a master trainer in Aidan O'Brien. It's his first go beyond 2400m and he's a big weight in 56.5kg.

Magical Circle is the favourite for Melbourne Cup 2018. He has won his last two races by six lengths. Red Verdon was injured and was ruled out of the race.

4. Chinstrit Coat is a Japanese stayer who went well over 3200m in the Group 1 Tenno Sho in Kyoto three runs back. He's a great barrier in four, which hatched last year's winner Rekindling.

5. Muntaha is prepared by one of England's great trainers in John Gosden and has a good jockey in Jim Crowley. Last start Munthaha won by 3.25 lengths over the 2816m of the Ebor Handicap at York.

SOUND CHECK is a German import with a top trainer in Mike Moroney. He can run the trip but will need luck from his barrier.

7. Who shot the barman (18) is having his fourth go at this race. He finished fourth last start in the Moonee Valley Cup. 10-year-old Barman won the 3200m Sydney Cup last autumn.

ACE HIGH (22) is aiming to emulate Efficient by winning this race. ACE HIGH disappointed in the Caulfield Cup when leading.

Marmelo is a France-based runner. Last year he finished ninth in the Caulfield Cup. He has been in good form with wins over 2800m and two seconds over 3000m at his past four starts.

Avilius won his first four starts in Australia. He beat Jaameh in The Bart Cummings at Flemington. Aviliu finished fourth in the Cox Plate last start. He's a classy type with great acceleration.

Yucatan is the clear Cup favourite. He won the Herbert Power Stakes in his last start. Protectionist won Melbourne Cup in 2014.

AUVRAY (1) is an eight-year-old who has won at 3000m in France four years ago. AUVray is worth $126 and $30.

Finchie joined Chris Waller's stable from France recently. He finished third in the Geelong Cup. Finchie has a tricky barrier but has good form in Europe.

Red Cardinal won twice over 3200m in group races in America and Germany last year. Last start he ran poorly in the Moonee Valley Cup. Damien Oliver picks up the ride late on.

Vengeur maseque is unplaced in his past six runs. He's priced at $67 and $15.

Ventura Storm is the favourite to win Melbourne Cup. Prince Of Penzance came second in the Moonee Valley Cup and won the Cup in 2015.

A PRINCE OF ARRAN (20) won the Lexus Stakes over 2500m on Saturday. He's won over 3200m in Dubai and placed over the trip in America and England.

NAKEETA (3) is a Scottish hope who finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup last year.

SIR CHARLES ROAD finished third in last week's Bendigo Cup.

Zacada came second in the Sydney Cup last autumn. He has been awful this preparation and has drawn the outside barrier.

21. RUNAWAY (12) is the favourite to win Melbourne Cup. Gai Waterhouse has another runner, Stephen Baster.

Youthsstar is a stayer from Chris Waller's yard. She finished second in the Turnbull Stakes and seventh in Caulfield Cup. Youngstar will be in good form and has a good barrier.

23 Cross Counter is a stayer with only 51kg on his back. He's trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. Last start CrossCounter came second in a 2400m Group 2 at York and won a Group 3 at Goodwood.

24. ROSTOPOVICH (21) is a lightweight chance from the O'Brien stable. He finished fifth in the Cox Plate. It's his first go past 2400m and he's lightly raced with just 13 starts. Barrier 21 is his worry.