Key facts
- Zakouma: $34 in the betting at 6:24am AEDT, Friday 30 October 2026.
- Trainer Grahame Begg; jockey William Pike.
- Weight: 52kg.
- Vet: Passed the first mandatory vet inspection on 29 October.
Is Zakouma running in the 2026 Melbourne Cup?
Zakouma is in the projected field of 24 for the 2026 Melbourne Cup. Vet status: passed the first mandatory vet inspection on 29 October. The full list of runners and their status is on our Melbourne Cup field page.
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Zakouma at a glance
| Detail | Zakouma |
|---|---|
| Status | In the projected field of 24 |
| Order of entry | 1= (ballot-exempt) |
| How he got here | Won the Andrew Ramsden (Listed, 2800m) at Flemington on 16 May |
| Sex and age | Gelding, 6 years old (Australian age) |
| Bred in | AUS |
| Trainer | Grahame Begg |
| Jockey | William Pike |
| Weight | 52kg |
| Odds | $34 (Ladbrokes fixed odds (all-in market), 6:24am AEDT, Friday 30 October 2026) |
| Vet status | Passed the first mandatory vet inspection on 29 October |
| Breeding | Crowded House (GB) out of Dar Es Salaam (NZ), by Zabeel (NZ) |
| Career record | 18 starts: 5 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third |
| Prize money | $393,110 |
| At Flemington | 4 starts: 2 wins |
| At 3200m | No starts |
What is Zakouma's recent form?
Zakouma won three races in a row early in 2026, then won his golden ticket in the Andrew Ramsden in May with a strong finish. After a break he ran sixth in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) and fifth in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), then had his final lead-up in the Crystal Mile on Cox Plate Day.
What are Zakouma's Melbourne Cup chances?
He gives trainer Grahame Begg his first Melbourne Cup runner. His spring runs have been over trips well short of his best, and the VRC guide expects him to be much better suited by 3200m. William Pike, who won the Cox Plate on Cosmic Crusader last Saturday, rides.
In him favour:
- Two wins from four starts at Flemington
- Light weight of 52kg
Against him:
- No starts at 3200m
How do Zakouma's odds compare?
At $34, Zakouma sits in the middle of the market in the betting. Prices move quickly in Cup week, especially after the barrier draw on Saturday night and the track rating on Tuesday morning. Every runner's price is on our Melbourne Cup odds table.
Frequently asked questions
Who trains Zakouma?
Zakouma is trained by Grahame Begg.
Who is riding Zakouma in the Melbourne Cup?
William Pike is booked to ride Zakouma. Riders must be declared by 4:30pm on Saturday 31 October.
What weight does Zakouma carry in the Melbourne Cup?
Zakouma is set to carry 52kg.
What are Zakouma's odds for the Melbourne Cup?
Zakouma was $34 with Ladbrokes fixed odds (all-in market) at 6:24am AEDT, Friday 30 October 2026. Odds change often, so check before you bet.
Has Zakouma passed the Melbourne Cup vet checks?
Passed the first mandatory vet inspection on 29 October.
How did Zakouma get into the Melbourne Cup?
Won the Andrew Ramsden (Listed, 2800m) at Flemington on 16 May.
What is Zakouma's breeding?
Zakouma is by Crowded House (GB) out of Dar Es Salaam (NZ), by Zabeel (NZ).
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Sources
Who wrote and checked this page
Alexander Korsager
Alexander Korsager is our editor-in-chief. He has spent more than ten years in online gambling and iGaming, including senior leadership roles. He writes every Melbourne Cup guide on this site from official VRC and Racing Victoria sources.
Mark D'Andrea
Mark D'Andrea is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Gaming Associates, an independent testing and certification laboratory for the gambling industry. He fact-checks our race guides, betting rules and safer gambling information.