1 month ago
12 The race that stops the nation is almost upon us.
Without a crowd at Flemington, race goers will be cheering on the Melbourne Cup field from their homes, with internationals Tiger Moth and Anthony van Dyck vying for favouritism.
Surprise Baby will carry the hopes of many Australians, with adopted Aussie Very Elleegant also considered a leading hopeful as Chris Waller chases a breakthrough win in the famous 3200m race.
The Melbourne Cup is the seventh race on the card in Tuesday’s meet, which kicks off at 10.45am with the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate.
The horses will launch from the stalls in the main race at 3pm, with 24 horses in the field.
Ashrun won its place in the cup with a tough win on Saturday, defying its 61kg weight to run down Sound and elevate itself in the cup standings.
MORE MELBOURNE CUP:
Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, boom horse Russian Camelot and last year’s runner-up Master Of Reality are other hopefuls in a wide open event. Last year’s victor Vow and Declare isn’t racing as well and is an outsider to clinch successive cups.
CUP DAY FACTORS
First race: 10.45am
Melbourne Cup: 3pm
Last race: 5.15pm
Track: Good (4)
Weather: Sunny 30C
English (United States)