The 2023 Melbourne Cup will be run and won on Tuesday, but there’s plenty of drama already preceding the 163rd running of the great race at Flemington.
A field of 23 local and international horses will race over 3200m for a whopping $8 million in prizemoney, with one horse — Cleveland — scratched from the race on Monday.
Follow all the exciting build-up below, and the live action from the race to be run at 3pm AEDT.
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CHEAT SHEET: Why every horse can and can’t win
MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE: Trevor Marshallsea’s verdict on every runner and predicted first four
TWO-TIME WINNER’S GUIDE: Legend Jim Cassidy runs eyes over every horse and gives tips
LATE BOOST FOR LEGEND’S FAREWELL
Cleveland, a $51 chance, was scratched from the race on vet’s advice on Monday and there had been mounting speculation New Zealand-trained hope Alenquer would also be forced to withdraw — robbing retiring legend Damien Oliver of his final ride.
Alenquer presented with a stone bruise after trackwork on Sunday and had a hoof pad applied by veterinarians. His status remained under a heavy cloud however there was a late boost as the horse passed a vet examination on Tuesday morning at 3.30am.
Racing Victoria said the “gelding had improved significantly overnight and as a result was passed suitable to race”.
However Racing Victoria announced the $51 chance be checked as a precuaution when he arrives on course.
The race is set to be the final ride for Oliver, a three-time Melbourne Cup winner.
LATEST MARKET MOVERS
Strong money continues to come in from punters for race favourite Vauban, with the Irish-trained stayer a firm $4.20 favourite on the morning of the race.
The famous Melbourne Cup Call of the Card – an event where big-spenders lock in massive bets with the bookies – delivered a raft of stunning wagers on the horse.
The favourite Vauban drew some remarkable bets, including one of $320,000 split between odds of $5 and $4.80, $230,000 at $4.80 and $200,000 at $5.
Two bets of $50,000 as well as bets of $25,000, $20,000 and $10,000 were all taken on the hot favourite.
In total, Vauban would pocket the Call of the Card bettors over $3 million.
One punter attempted to make a bet of $400,000 at $5 on Vauban, but no bookmaker would accept the bet.
Vauban’s stablemate Absurde has been one of the best backed runners over the past 48 hours, firming into $10 from his initial price of $21. Caulfield Cup winner Without a Fight is second favourite at $7 while reigning champion Gold Trip has drifted out to $8.
MORE NEWS
LEAD-UP RUNS: The pre-Cup runs you need to see, including Vauban’s jaw-dropping Royal Ascot win
CUP LATE MAIL: Latest on scratchings, changes ahead of the race
BARRIER DRAW: Full results and reaction including who got lucky
WEATHER FORECAST: Thunderstorm threat and heatwave hang over Flemington
QUICK GUIDE: 22 HORSES WIPED OUT IN 60 SECONDS
Early trackside Melbourne Cup preview | 04:35
FULL FLEMINGTON RACECARD & RESULTS
10.45am Race 1: Darley Maribyrnong Plate – 2YO OPEN SW G3, 1000m
11.20am Race 2: Furphy Plate – Listed Race – 1800m
12pm Race 3: Tab Trophy – 3YO Listed Race – 1800m
12.40pm Race 4: The Schweppervescence Plate – 3YO Open – 1000m
1.20pm Race 5: The Macca’s Run – BM96 – 2800m
1.55pm Race 6: Mss Security Subzero Handicap – BM90 – 1400m
3pm Race 7: Lexus Melbourne Cup – Group 1 – 3200m
3.50pm Race 8: Howden Desirable Stakes – 3YO Listed Race – 1400m
4.35pm Race 9; The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes – 4YO+ Group 3 – 1400m
5.15pm Race 10: Paramount+ Trophy – BM90 – 1400m
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