The Melbourne Cup takes place on Tuesday, November 3rd at 3pm local time (4am UK time).
Preview:
This year’s edition of the $6.2 million contest, known as the race that stops a nation, will be Race 7 of a 10-race programme at Flemington with upwards of 100,000 in attendance.
Japanese galloper Fame Game looks set to start as a short-priced favourite following an unlucky sixth in the Caulfield Cup as he bids become the latest international runner to win Australia’s biggest race.
Fame Game is part of another strong international contingent bidding to make it back-to-back wins for the visitors following Protectionist’s victory 12 months ago.
Among the visiting set to join Fame Game in the line-up are second favourite Trip To Paris, three-time runner-up Red Cadeaux, Snow Sky, Hokko Brave and Quest For More.
In the 24-strong field, the best of the home team contenders look set to include last year’s placegetter Who Shot Thebarman, his stablemate with Chris Waller Preferment, Max Dynamite, Amralah, Cox Plate runner-up Criterion and Almoonqith.
Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan was set to bid join an elite band of horses to complete the Cups double, but a bout of colic has ruled the New Zealand galloper out of the Flemington showpiece.
Defending champion Protectionist was also ruled out of the race due to a bone problem.
Melbourne Cup Day – Race Schedule (all times AEST)
Watch and bet live at 365 > Live Streaming
Race 1 – 10:40am Gr.3 Emirates Airline Plate
Race 2 – 11:20am tab.com.au Trophy
Race 3 – 12:00pm J.B. Cummings AM Tribute Plate
Race 4 – 12:40pm Lavazza Short Black
Race 5 – 1:20pm Schweppes #FlemingtonFling
Race 6 – 2:00pm Lexus Hybrid Plate
Race 7 – 3:00pm Gr.1 Emirates Melbourne Cup
Race 8 – 3:55pm LR James Boag’s Symphony Stakes
Race 9 – 4:35pm LR MSS Security Sprint
Race 10 – 5:15pm Gr.3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes
