Punters and patrons are hoping the rain will skip over Flemington Racecourse today, as they gear up for the biggest race of the year, the Melbourne Cup.
90,000 are expected to pile into the West Melbourne racecourse to watch the 165th edition of the cup. The rain yesterday and today could not only affect the crowds but will truly change the race and the odds as it brings in wet track factors.
The wet tracks will make it tough for Australasian horses, while those from Europe will feel slightly more at home on the heavier track.
The kiwis are well represented this year with two bred horses, #12 Smokin Romans and #23 Torranzino. Along with two New Zealand linked riders, James Macdonald who is racing on horse who's tipped to have a chance, #8 Meydaan, and Michael Dee who’s racing on #17 Furthur, who has been tipped by some punters to come home in the top four.
Outside of the New Zealanders, the favourite to take home the $10 million and the Melbourne Cup title is Al Riffa, who’s searching for a hat trick of wins after taking Curragh G1 and G2 earlier this year. #24 Valiant King is also expected to do well after improving over the last couple years.
The cup will also be exciting for an Aucklander, who’s 12 leg multi is only one tick away from winning upwards of $700,000. Only $7.41 was placed on the bet in early January and covered other big races such as the Everest and Curragh. They’ll be cheering home Buckaroo, who needs a place to bring in the big payday.
The day is set to get under way at 12:45pm NZT, with the cup racing at 5pm sharp.