Flemington Racecourse plays host to the 151st running of the richest two mile handicap in the world in early November – The Melbourne Cup, writes Mikey Mumford. It’s billed as the ‘race that stops a nation’ and Aussie land literally does come to a halt because Melbourne Cup day is officially classed as a public holiday for all those working in the area. No more than 24 runners will head to post for this handicap that will see a strong international challenge from all parts of the globe as they go in search of a share of the $6 million purse.

Melbourne Cup odds

Winning connections will also receive the 18-carat gold Melbourne Cup trophy; excuse the pun but it is literally worth its weight in gold because it’s made from 34 pieces of the stuff! Last year’s winning jockey Gerald Mosse managed to get his hands on it, as did trainer Alain de Royer Dupre when the American-bred French trained Americain won by 2 ½ lengths. Fitting perhaps that this six-year-old stayer was owned by Melbourne businessmen Gerry Ryan and Kevin Bamford but he is around a 20/1 chance (should he run) for this renewal in the early ante-post market.

Melbourne Cup tips

Arguably the biggest star to emerge from this contest in the last decade was British-bred mare Makybe Diva who became the first horse to win this event on three consecutive occasions in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Add to that a Cox Plate win in 2005 as well and this makes her the highest stakes earner in Australian horse racing.

Now, while it seems unlikely we are going to unearth another gem like her this year , the race does offer an excellent betting opportunity. Such is the very nature of the race, this classy field of thoroughbreds three-years and older are pretty evenly matched and big prices are there to be had for the majority of runners. They will swing left-handed around Flemington’s two-mile circuit before entering the final 450 metres straight. It is well worth keeping a close eye on the ante-post market which looks sure to hot up as the event nears.

Sportingbet free bet

With competition amongst bookies so high during the melbourne Cup there are a number of free bet offers available. Check out our best range of Melbourne Cup free bet offers: