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Australian Cup 2026 Betting Odds - Birdman Shades Tom Kitten and Pride Of Jenni

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Last updated: Mon 23 Mar 2026 10:55

Birdman, trained by Chris Waller, has emerged as the favorite for the 2026 Australian Cup with odds of $2.90, following two consecutive victories. In-form competitors include Tom Kitten, at $4.60, known for his Group 1 success, and Pride Of Jenni, valued at $5.00, promising excitement with her aggressive style. Additional contenders Apulia and Sabaj are listed at $8.00 each. The Australian Cup, a $2 million race, forms a key part of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival's closing, with past winners including famed racers such as Makybe Diva and Cascadian.

Bets.com.au Staff 23 Mar 2026
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  • Birdman leads the 2026 Australian Cup odds at $2.90
  • Tom Kitten, Pride Of Jenni among key contenders
  • Race concludes Melbourne Autumn Carnival
Expired
Birdman winning the 2026 Peter Young Stakes. (Getty)

Birdman continues to improve, with the Chris Waller-trained galloper building off a fourth-place finish on return to win his next two starts.

The first of those came at Group 2 level over the Flemington mile before taking out the 1800m Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14, and he looks ready for the rise to 2000m in the Australian Cup.

At $2.90 with EliteBet, he heads the market for the 2026 Australian Cup.

Tom Kitten ($4.60) is another in-form runner, with the five-year-old winning both starts this campaign, including a successful defence of the All-Star Mile on March 7.

He has proven himself at 2000m, highlighted by a Group 1 win in the 2023 Spring Champion Stakes, while he has also placed in his past two attempts at the trip and both were at Group 1 weight-for-age level.

Pride Of Jenni ($5) also comes through the All-Star Mile, finishing third in her return, and the exciting front-runner always adds interest with her racing pattern.

Apulia and Sabaj share an $8 quote, with this pair also rounding out the single-figure chances for the 2026 Australian Cup.

Australian Cup 2026 Betting Odds


HorseOdds
Birdman$2.90
Tom Kitten$4.60
Pride Of Jenni$5.00
Apulia$8.00
Sabaj$8.00
Leica Lucy$11.00
Light Infantry Man$11.00
Arcora$26.00
Damask Rose$26.00
Immediacy$26.00
Just Fine$26.00
Mark Twain$26.00
Philia$51.00
Basilinna$101.00
Desert Hero$101.00
Fiorenot$101.00

Odds provided by EliteBet & correct on 23/03/2026.

Australian Cup Winners


Worth $2 million, the 2000-metre weight-for-age contest effectively rounds out the Melbourne Autumn Carnival, having been shifted to late March.

The legendary Bart Cummings holds the training record with 13 Australian Cup victories, while Tom Hales remains the most successful jockey, riding eight winners between 1875 and 1890.

Widely regarded as a stronger race over the past 50 years, the honour roll includes champions such as Leilani, Dulcify, Vo Rogue, Better Loosen Up, Northerly and Makybe Diva.

More recently, Cascadian claimed back-to-back editions in 2023 and 2024, before Light Infantry Man added his name to the roll of honour with victory in the 2025 Australian Cup.

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