🐎 Melbourne Cup Legend Jim Cassidy Predicts Top 4 Finishers — With His $19 Pick to Watch!
When it comes to the Melbourne Cup, few voices carry the same weight as Jim Cassidy. Known as “The Pumper” — a nickname earned from his relentless drive and magnetic personality — Cassidy remains one of Australia’s most celebrated jockeys. With two Melbourne Cup victories and over 100 Group 1 wins, he knows the thrill of the race better than anyone.
Now, as the 2025 Cup approaches, Cassidy has stepped up to make his top-four predictions, and one of them — a $19 outsider — has punters buzzing.
🏆 A Legend’s Perspective
Jim Cassidy’s insight isn’t based on gut feeling alone. It comes from decades of experience: reading horses, tracking conditions, and sensing momentum shifts long before they’re obvious to the public.
In a recent pre-race interview, Cassidy shared his excitement about this year’s lineup.
“It’s a really open Cup this year — a lot of depth, a lot of horses peaking at the right time,” he said. “But I’ve got my eye on a few that can handle the trip and rise to the moment.”
As usual, Cassidy didn’t shy away from bold calls — and one long-shot pick in particular has raised eyebrows across the racing world.
🐴 Jim Cassidy’s Top 4 Melbourne Cup Predictions
Here’s how Cassidy sees the field shaping up:
1️⃣ Vauban — “The Class Act”
Cassidy believes the Irish-trained Vauban is the one to beat — and most experts agree. After an impressive international campaign, Vauban’s endurance and finishing speed make him a favorite for the 3200m test.
“He’s got the engine,” Cassidy said. “If he settles mid-pack and gets clean air late, he’ll be very hard to hold off.”
2️⃣ Gold Trip — “The Veteran Threat”
The 2022 Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, remains a top contender. While age may be creeping in, Cassidy thinks the horse’s experience under pressure could be decisive.
“He’s been there, done that. He knows what Flemington feels like on Cup Day — that matters.”
3️⃣ Soulcombe — “The Sleeper”
Cassidy rates Soulcombe as the dark horse among the favorites. Despite inconsistent form, he’s shown flashes of brilliance that could come alive at just the right time.
“If he jumps clean, don’t underestimate him. He’s got staying power — real grit.”
4️⃣ Future History — “The $19 Roughie” 💰
And then there’s the shocker — Cassidy’s $19 long-shot pick: Future History.
Most betting markets have overlooked him, but Cassidy sees something others don’t.
“He’s been improving every start. Lightly weighted, beautifully timed prep — he could surprise them all. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
It’s that trademark Cassidy confidence — the same swagger that won him the Cup twice — that makes this prediction so compelling.
📊 The Betting Buzz
Once Cassidy dropped his forecast, bookmakers saw immediate movement. Future History’s odds tightened slightly as punters began sprinkling small bets, taking the champion’s word seriously.
Many fans remember when Cassidy tipped similar long-shots during his career — and they delivered. His reputation as both a showman and a sharp mind for form gives his predictions extra credibility.
“He’s the people’s pundit,” one racing fan said. “When Jim speaks, you at least take a look.”
🌦️ Conditions Matter
Cassidy also reminded everyone that track conditions could flip the script. If the Flemington track turns soft due to rain, he believes the field could open up even further — possibly favoring horses like Serpentine or Sheraz who handle heavier going.
“The Cup’s never won on paper,” he said. “You’ve got to earn it over two miles, through weather, pressure, and luck.”
That uncertainty is exactly what keeps the Melbourne Cup exciting year after year — a race where legends can fall, and outsiders can rise.
🐎 A Look Back at Cassidy’s Cup Legacy
For those new to the sport, Jim Cassidy’s name is etched into Cup history.
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🥇 1983: Cassidy famously rode Kiwi from last to first in one of the most astonishing Cup finishes ever.
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🥇 1997: He claimed his second Cup aboard Might and Power, leading from start to finish — pure dominance.
Few jockeys have ever showcased such contrasting yet masterful victories. Cassidy’s balance of instinct and control, aggression and patience, made him a fan favorite and a racing icon.
Even now, years into retirement, his energy remains electric. When he talks about horses, it’s with the same fire that once burned on race day.
🏇 The Magic of the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a race — it’s a national event. It stops the country, drawing millions to screens, pubs, and racetracks.
It’s fashion, tension, and tradition all rolled into one day. But at its core, it’s about the horses — and the hope of finding that one magic ride that defies expectations.
Cassidy captures that perfectly.
“You can do all the form in the world,” he said, “but on Cup Day, you still need luck — and a horse with heart.”
💬 Fans React
Racing enthusiasts on social media were quick to react to Cassidy’s latest tips:
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“If Jim says Future History’s a chance, I’m in — the man’s a Cup prophet.”
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“Love how he always finds one outside the box. That’s why he’s the Pumper!”
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“Vauban might win, but a Cassidy roughie always makes the race more fun.”
That’s part of the beauty of his commentary — it unites diehard punters and casual fans alike under one thing: excitement.
🏁 Final Word
As Cup Day nears, the tension builds. Will Cassidy’s $19 pick make history, or will the favorites dominate? Either way, the former jockey’s insight adds spice to an already electric event.
One thing’s certain — Jim Cassidy’s passion for racing hasn’t slowed one stride. He might not be in the saddle anymore, but his instincts are still galloping at full speed.
“I’ve had my days in the spotlight,” he smiled. “Now I just enjoy calling it how I see it — and hopefully, helping a few people find a winner.”
Whether it’s Vauban’s class, Gold Trip’s grit, or Future History’s fairytale, Cassidy’s Cup commentary reminds us why this race remains Australia’s greatest sporting spectacle.
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