More than 100,000 people will turn out under sunny skies at Flemington today for the 154th running of the Melbourne Cup.
Ten internationals will now run in the Cup race, with Japanese stayer Admire Rakti the favourite.
Japan has tasted success previously in the Cup claiming the quinella in 2006 when Delta Blues won narrowly from Pop Rock.
The best of the local hopes are Fawkner, Lucia Valentina and Signoff, who gained a spot in the Cup after winning the Lexus Stakes on Saturday.
Fawkner is the only representative of owner Lloyd Williams following the scratching of stablemate Sea Moon.
Williams, who has won the race on four previous occasions, had as many as six runners in last year’s race and won the Cup in 2012 with Green Moon.
Cavalryman was scratched this morning due to swelling in his leg.
Here at home, punters have flocked into betting shops from the morning and are placing bets on respective horses. Many are saying it is Admire Rakti’s race.
The Melbourne Cup Race will start at 5pm today at the Flemington Racecourse.
Source: ABC
