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In case you missed it, here are all 24 horses featuring in this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup. (Odds correct as of 11.40am Tuesday November 5) 1. CROSS COUNTER — $15 (odds thanks to BetEasy) 2. Sportsbooks calculate odds on the Melbourne Cup by looking at several different factors, including the race overall, the weight of the horse and the barrier numbers, among many more. (These are also factors that punters will need to look at when making bets).
Melbourne Cup betting is the only thing more interesting than the Melbourne Cup itself. Every year thousands and thousands of punters from all over the world try their luck for the annual race held on the first Tuesday in November.
This is not only the most famous horse race in Australia but at the same time in the whole world.
A lot of attention is given each year to the Melbourne Cup betting offers and odds. There's so much information that it can be pretty overwhelming. Especially new bettors can have a hard time to decide whether or not certain tips, odds and offers are good and how to chose Melbourne Cup favourites.
Hopefully, this article gives answers to all these questions and to some others too. So, keep reading and get ready for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup betting experience.
Melbourne Cup Betting Offers 2021
As the event gets closer, all the popular online bookmakers start promoting their Melbourne Cup betting offers. Like every single year, some online sportsbooks provide more attractive offers and Melbourne Cup odds comparing to their competition.
The only thing you have to do is find these bookmakers and their Melbourne Cup betting promotions.
To save your time, we decided to compile this article and go through everything you need to know about Melbourne Cup betting. It's still early to talk about Melbourne betting offers since the bookmakers still haven't revealed any details at all.
As soon as they become available, we'll update our article, so make sure to review this page from time to time for all the latest news about the future offers and Melbourne Cup betting odds.
For the time being, you can visit the most popular UK betting sites and see what kind of promotions they currently offer for other types of events.
Offers for Exisiting Customers
You'll be able to find a lot of Melbourne Cup betting promotions for existing customers once the offers become available. As the event draws nearer, more and more offers will appear, so make sure to check regularly the operator's Promotions page.
Of course, welcome offers for new customers only exist too. They are a great way of attracting new users. Since the Melbourne Cup is popular even among those who usually don't bet on horse races, we can see why all the operators try to stand out from the crowd.
Best Melbourne Cup Betting Promotional Offers
Melbourne Cup in Australia is the equivalent of Grand National in the UK, where almost everyone decides to try his luck and watches carefully. However, the Melbourne Cup is pretty popular in the UK too. That's why all the giants of the UK betting industry provide various types of Melbourne Cup promotional offers.
As we have already said, Melbourne Cup betting promotions are yet to come. In order to stay up to date, keep an eye on our page. Don't forget that every offer goes along with a list of terms and conditions that you must meet.
Betting on Melbourne Cup from outside Australia
Since the Melbourne Cup is popular all across the world, UK residents can also find Melbourne Cup odds, and they can bet on Melbourne Cup horses. Just make sure to find operators offering Melbourne Cup betting odds. Most of these bookmakers offer live streaming options. That's how you won't miss a single second of the action.
How to Watch the Melbourne Cup Live?
All the famous sportsbook available in the UK offer the possibility to watch live the Melbourne Cup. The majority of them also include in-play betting markets, so you get to bet while watching the action from the comfort of your home.
As in previous years, the following operators are likely to include the Melbourne Cup live streaming options: bet365, Unibet, PointsBet, Ladbrokes, Betfair, etc.
Melbourne Cup Betting Types
If you are new to Melbourne Cup betting, then it's good to go through various types of bets you, so you can see what's popular. Hopefully, this short overview of betting types will help you make a difference among a great number of possible options.
Wins, place bets, each-way bets, futures
The following are the most commonly placed bets.
- Win – this is one of the most popular types. It's pretty easy. You just have to choose one of the Melbourne Cup horses.
- Place bet – It's a type of bet where you are betting on a horse you think will finish in the first three.
- Each-way bet – This bet combines the other two mentioned above. You bet on one of the Melbourne Cup favourites to win or place in the top three. If the horse wins, you get paid for both parts of the bet.
- Futures – As the name implies, futures allow you to bet on horse races several months in advance.
Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta
Who will win agt 2020. If you want to push your luck a little bit more, the following are the bets that many punters of for.
- Quinella – There are different types of quinella. The standard one means that you can choose any two horses and they must finish as the winner and second-placed horse so you can collect your winnings. Additionally, you can include more horses and try different combinations.
- Exacta – It's similar to quinella. You need to bet on Melbourne Cup horses that you believe will finish first and second. However, unlike quinella, where the order is not important, here you must predict which one will finish first and which one will be second across the line.
- Trifecta bet – It's like exacta and quinella, but as the name suggests, this bet is for the first three places, and the correct order is important.
First Four, Quadrella, Treble, Double
Winning these bets is quite challenging, however, the high odds make these appealing to numerous punters.
- First Four – You have to pick four horses that will place in the first four places and you have to guess the exact order. You can also choose more than one horse for a specific place but than you'll get a lower price.
- Quadrella – Often called quaddie, this type of bet is pretty hard. You must guess the winner of four consecutive races.
- Treble – It is similar to quadrella. The only difference is that, instead of four, three consecutive races are part of the bet.
- Double – As you may guess, this type of bet is the same as above, but for two consecutive races.
Melbourne Cup Odds
Despite having the beating of his stablemate Master of Reality on the book, who was many a tipster's choice, 2020 Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment went off at 25/1 at Flemington.
That price is not unusual, however, with plenty of Melbourne Cup winners going in at similar odds which is down to how competitive this race is with 20+ runners on the cavalry charge.
Three-year-old Tiger Moth had been heavily backed for the race in the built-up and ran a blinder at 11/2 in second place, while Prince of Arran yet again ran his race and was placed once more at 17/2.
40/1 shots The Chosen One and Persan came home fourth and fifth, but generally speaking it pays to stick to those with the form in the book and so it would be no surprise in 2021 to see the principals once again being 25/1 and below.
Melbourne Cup Favourites
Despite being overhauled on the big day by Surprise Baby, the one for money in the lead-up to the 2020 Melbourne Cup was Aidan O'Brien's young improver Tiger Moth.
Tiger Moth did easily the best of those at the top of the market, running a close second at 11/2, while 5/1 favourite Surprise Baby was underwhelming in 13th place which when you look at his form was not a great surprise at all.
17/2 shot Prince of Arran had been second and third in the race over the previous two years and so the bookmakers were taking no risks with him, and he duly filled third place once again.
9/1 pokes Verry Elleegant, who chased home Champion Stakes winner Addeybb twice earlier in the year, and 2019 Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck had contrasting fortunes.
The former ran a very good 7th after a busy year and the latter was unfortunately fatally injured. All in all, you'd say those among the favourites put up some pretty bold shows and it would be a surprise if Tiger Moth and Verry Elleegant especially weren't to the fore once more in the early 2021 betting.
Melbourne Cup Tips
We'd hope plenty of people managed to find the winner, Twilight Payment, in the 2021 renewal given his obvious strong form in the book.
Backers of Tiger Moth, and there were many, also got a great run for their money with the only genuine disappointment among the better-backed horses being Surprise Baby.
On the face of it, the Melbourne Cup is a difficult race in which to tip and in which to bet, but there should be some great value on offer once again in the early 2021 ante post betting.
Melbourne Cup History
The Melbourne Cup has a ton of history behind it, having been inaugurated in 1861. We've had well over 150 years now of 'the race that stops the nation' and while it was a simpler and humbler affair in the 1800's, it is now an international event of huge significance worth some $8million in prize money.
Run over 3,200 metres or just about two miles, the Melbourne Cup along with the Grand National, The Derby and the Kentucky Derby is one of the world's biggest betting thoroughbred races.
As of 2020, Joseph O'Brien's Twilight Payment is the latest horse to add his name to the trophy, a second win for the young trainer already.
Melbourne Cup FAQ
In conclusion, let's take a look at some of the frequently asked questions. Hopefully, this part of our article will be helpful to all new bettors, who don't have much experience. At the same time, it should be useful even for experienced bettors.
When is Melbourne Cup 2021?
Melbourne Cup will be held on 2nd November since the event is held annually every first Tuesday in November.
Who will win the Melbourne Cup 2021?
The bookmakers still have to start offering Melbourne Cup betting odds and offers. Horse racing odds payout chart. As soon as more information is available, we'll update our review.
Where to look for Melbourne Cup betting offers?
Melbourne Cup Race Live
As the event draws nearer, online sports betting operators will include more and more Melbourne Cup betting promotions on their menu. Make sure to carefully follow the operators' websites for new updates, as well as articles like ours that bring you closer all you have to know before start betting.
The most historic and prestigious race in Australia is no doubt the Melbourne Cup - but 2020 promises to be one of the most unique ever.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the showcase event of the Victorian Spring Carnival will be run in front of no spectators.
MORE: Final field and barrier draw
Craig Williams rode Vow and Declare to victory in the 2019 edition of the race, and the Australian galloper is a chance of going around again this year.
WHEN IS THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Melbourne Cup will go ahead on Tuesday 3rd November - THAT'S TODAY.
The Melbourne Cup has been held on the first Tuesday of November every year since 1875 (except for during the Second World War, when it was run on Saturdays).
Between the first running in 1861 and the change in 1875, the Melbourne Cup was run on a Thursday.
WHAT TIME IS THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The Melbourne Cup will be run at 3pm.
There's a few changes to this year's race, but the starting time is one thing that will remain the same.
In Queensland, the Melbourne Cup will be run at 2pm.
MELBOURNE CUP 2020 SCRATCHINGS
King of Leogrance has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup after a vet's inspection early on Tuesday morning.
The Danny O'Brien-trained horse presented with lameness in the off foreleg and was scratched from the race after being looked over by Dr Grace Forbes.
'It's one of those things that happens,' owner Nick Williams said.
'He must have a bit of a bruise there somewhere or an abscess brewing. It would be one of the two.
'If it had of arrived yesterday we probably could have treated it and had some chance. If it arrived tomorrow it wouldn't have been a problem.
'Unfortunately it arrived today. There's nothing we can do about it.'
WHAT CHANNEL IS THE MELBOURNE CUP ON - HOW TO WATCH THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The 2020 Melbourne Cup is being broadcast on Channel 10 after the station won the rights last year.
In August, Channel 7 - which had broadcast the race for a number of years - confirmed that it would broadcast all major Victorian race meets during 2020 and 2021, except the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The 10 Network will broadcast all major racedays across the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on October 31.
They'll also air the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday, 5 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday, 7 November.
MELBOURNE CUP LIVE STREAM
You can live stream the Melbourne Cup on Racing.com on Kayo.
MELBOURNE CUP DAY SCHEDULE
| 10:45am | Race 1: Group 3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate |
| 11:20am | Race 2: Listed World Horse Racing Desirable Stakes |
| 11:40am | Performance: The Rubens |
| 12:00pm | Race 3: Schweppervescence Plate |
| 12:40pm | Race 4: The Macca's Run |
| 1:20pm | Race 5: Listed TAB Trophy |
| 1:30pm | Lexus Melbourne Cup: The Race of Dreams Virtual Race |
| 1:55pm | Race 6: Grinders Coffee Roasters Trophy |
| 2:15pm | Pre-Cup Entertainment - Pete Murray, Jon Stevens |
| 2:20pm | Three-time Melbourne Cup Winner Makybe Diva to parade |
| 2:28pm | Australian National Anthem sung by Bonnie Anderson |
| 3:00pm | Race 7: Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup |
| 4:00pm | Race 8: Listed Furphy Plate |
| 4:05pm | Performance: Delate Goodrem |
| 4:40pm | Race 9: Group 3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes |
| 5:15pm | Race 10: Listed MSS Security Sprint |
MELBOURNE CUP WEATHER
Melbourne's temperemental weather often throws up challenges for the fans on Cup day, but that won't be an issue an this year.
The horses however will have to contend with some warm weather.
It will be interesting to see how some of the European horses cope with the conditions, with temperatures expected to hit close to 30 degrees by 3pm on Tuesday.
No rain is expected, while there may be a light breeze throughout the afternoon.
WHERE IS THE MELBOURNE CUP HELD?
The Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecourse, which is about 6km northwest of Melbourne's CBD.
Flemington opened in 1840 and now features a six furlong or 1200m straight, known as 'the Straight Six'. Its home straight is 450m long and races are run anti-clockwise.
HOW MANY HORSES ARE IN THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Each year, there are plenty of horses that are nominated for the big race.
But ultimately, only 24 horses will take on the Flemington track in 'the race that stops the nation'.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The prizemoney for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million, which is up on previous years' instalments.
The first 12 past the post receive prize money, with the winning connnections earning $4.4 million, second $1.1 million, third $550,000, fourth $350,000, fifth $230,000, with sixth through to twelve place earning $160,000.
WHAT CONDITIONS IS THE MELBOURNE CUP RUN UNDER
The Melbourne Cup is 3,200 metres.
It is a handicapped race for horses aged 3 years and above, with the minimum handicap weight set at 50kg.
2020 MELBOURNE CUP FINAL FIELD, BARRIERS AND ODDS
Tiger Moth and Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet headed the betting before the barrier draw.
However, Tiger Moth was a slight drifter after receiving barrier 23 ($6.50), with Anthony Van Dyck ($9) not far behind.
Surprise Baby ($8.50) and last year's runner-up Prince of Arran ($10) were the big winners from Saturday's draw.
Melbourne Cup 2019 Live Odds
Verry Elleegant ($11) and Russian Camelot ($12) are well-placed in the market.
2019 winner Vow and Declare is rated a $51 chance.
For the full market as of 2nd November, see below. Odds courtesy of Sportsbet.
| HORSE | TRAINER/JOCKEY | BARRIER | ODDS |
| 1. Anthony Van Dyck (58.5kg) | Aidan O'Brien/Hugh Bowman | 3 | $9.50 |
| 2. Avilius (57kg) | James Cummings/John Allen | 10 | $61 |
| 3. Vow and Declare (57kg) | Danny O'Brien/Jamie Mott | 4 | $51 |
| 4. Master of Reality (56kg) | Joseph O'Brien/Ben Melham | 11 | $20 |
| 5. Sir Dragonet (55.5kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Glen Boss | 14 | $12 |
| 6. Twilight Payment (55.5kg) | Joseph O'Brien/Jye McNeill | 12 | $26 |
| 7. Verry Elleegant (55.5kg) | Chris Waller/Mark Zahra | 15 | $11 |
| 8. Mustajeer (55kg) | Kris Lees/Michael Rodd | 2 | $71 |
| 9. Stratum Albion (55kg) | Willie Mullins/Jordon Childs | 9 | $41 |
| 10. Dashing Willoughby (54.5kg) | Andrew Balding/Michael Walker | 19 | $67 |
| 11. Finche (54.5kg) | Chris Waller/James McDonald | 6 | $18 |
| 12. Prince of Arran (54.5kg) | Charlie Fellowes/Jamie Kah | 1 | $11 |
| 13. Surprise Baby (54.5kg) | Paul Preusker/Craig Williams | 7 | $8.00 |
| 14. King of Leogrance (53.5kg) | Danny O'Brien/Damien Lane | SCR | SCR |
| 15. Russian Camelot (53.5kg) | Danny O'Brien/Damien Oliver | 16 | $12 |
| 16. Steel Prince (53.5kg) | Anthony & Sam Freedman/William Pike | 21 | $41 |
| 17. The Chosen One (53.5kg) | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman/ Daniel Stackhouse | 5 | $41 |
| 18. Ashrun (53kg) | Andreas Wohler/Declan Bates | 24 | $26 |
| 19. Warning (53kg) | Anthony & Sam Freedman/Luke Carrie | 8 | $51 |
| 20. Etah James (52.5kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Billy Egan | 22 | $81 |
| 21. Tiger Moth (52.5kg) | Aidan O'Brien/Kerrin McEvoy | 23 | $6.50 |
| 22. Oceanex (51.5kg) | Mick Price & Michael Kent/Dean Yendall | 17 | $71 |
| 23. Miami Bound (51kg) | Danny O'Brien/Daniel Moor | 13 | $34 |
| 24. Persan (51kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Michael Dee | 20 | $34 |
SIR DRAGONET WINS 2020 COX PLATE
The previous four instalments of the Cox Plate had been won by arguably the greatest racehorse Australia has seen, Winx.
There may have been no crowd at the Valley for the 100th running of the Cox Plate, but veteran Jockey Glen Boss didn't care as he romped to the win on Sir Dragonet ($8).
It was Boss' fourth Cox Plate and he celebrated as hard as ever as he passed the winning post, edging out another European galloper in Armory.
Now trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eastace, the Irish-bred five-year-old proved too strong, hitting the front 100m from home and powering to victory by a length and a half.
Pre-race favourite Russian Camelot finished third in wet conditions at Mooney Valley.
Take a look at the final stages below.
Unbelievable. Sir Dragonet has won the 100th edition of the #CoxPlate100 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. pic.twitter.com/clwk9P2Eav
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 24, 2020CHRIS WALLER CONFIRMS TWO STARTERS FOR MELBOURNE CUP
Top trainer Chris Waller has confirmed Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant will feature in the Melbourne Cup, as will two-time Turnbull Stakes placegetter Finche - the gelding's third time around two miles at Flemington.
Toffee Tongue however will not be entered, connections opting to spell or target her at other races.
Melbourne Cup Media Release pic.twitter.com/Af0VGZTUJu
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) October 20, 2020Melbourne Cup 2020 Live Odds
STEEL PRINCE WINS THE GEELONG CUP
Seven-year-old gelding Steel Prince should get another crack at the Melbourne Cup after claiming a gutsy win in the Geelong Cup.
Steel Prince held off Le Don De Vie to take out the race, which should be enough to see him jump up the order of entry into the cup.
The tough Steel Prince fights out the finish to win the Group 3 Geelong Cup from Le Don De Vie on the line. pic.twitter.com/caeM9smsTd
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 21, 2020VERRY ELLEEGANT WINS CAULFIELD CUP
One of the big lead-up races to the Melbourne Cup every year is the Caulfield Cup - and this year, it was won by one of the country's most popular horses.
Best Melbourne Cup Betting Promotional Offers
Melbourne Cup in Australia is the equivalent of Grand National in the UK, where almost everyone decides to try his luck and watches carefully. However, the Melbourne Cup is pretty popular in the UK too. That's why all the giants of the UK betting industry provide various types of Melbourne Cup promotional offers.
As we have already said, Melbourne Cup betting promotions are yet to come. In order to stay up to date, keep an eye on our page. Don't forget that every offer goes along with a list of terms and conditions that you must meet.
Betting on Melbourne Cup from outside Australia
Since the Melbourne Cup is popular all across the world, UK residents can also find Melbourne Cup odds, and they can bet on Melbourne Cup horses. Just make sure to find operators offering Melbourne Cup betting odds. Most of these bookmakers offer live streaming options. That's how you won't miss a single second of the action.
How to Watch the Melbourne Cup Live?
All the famous sportsbook available in the UK offer the possibility to watch live the Melbourne Cup. The majority of them also include in-play betting markets, so you get to bet while watching the action from the comfort of your home.
As in previous years, the following operators are likely to include the Melbourne Cup live streaming options: bet365, Unibet, PointsBet, Ladbrokes, Betfair, etc.
Melbourne Cup Betting Types
If you are new to Melbourne Cup betting, then it's good to go through various types of bets you, so you can see what's popular. Hopefully, this short overview of betting types will help you make a difference among a great number of possible options.
Wins, place bets, each-way bets, futures
The following are the most commonly placed bets.
- Win – this is one of the most popular types. It's pretty easy. You just have to choose one of the Melbourne Cup horses.
- Place bet – It's a type of bet where you are betting on a horse you think will finish in the first three.
- Each-way bet – This bet combines the other two mentioned above. You bet on one of the Melbourne Cup favourites to win or place in the top three. If the horse wins, you get paid for both parts of the bet.
- Futures – As the name implies, futures allow you to bet on horse races several months in advance.
Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta
Who will win agt 2020. If you want to push your luck a little bit more, the following are the bets that many punters of for.
- Quinella – There are different types of quinella. The standard one means that you can choose any two horses and they must finish as the winner and second-placed horse so you can collect your winnings. Additionally, you can include more horses and try different combinations.
- Exacta – It's similar to quinella. You need to bet on Melbourne Cup horses that you believe will finish first and second. However, unlike quinella, where the order is not important, here you must predict which one will finish first and which one will be second across the line.
- Trifecta bet – It's like exacta and quinella, but as the name suggests, this bet is for the first three places, and the correct order is important.
First Four, Quadrella, Treble, Double
Winning these bets is quite challenging, however, the high odds make these appealing to numerous punters.
- First Four – You have to pick four horses that will place in the first four places and you have to guess the exact order. You can also choose more than one horse for a specific place but than you'll get a lower price.
- Quadrella – Often called quaddie, this type of bet is pretty hard. You must guess the winner of four consecutive races.
- Treble – It is similar to quadrella. The only difference is that, instead of four, three consecutive races are part of the bet.
- Double – As you may guess, this type of bet is the same as above, but for two consecutive races.
Melbourne Cup Odds
Despite having the beating of his stablemate Master of Reality on the book, who was many a tipster's choice, 2020 Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment went off at 25/1 at Flemington.
That price is not unusual, however, with plenty of Melbourne Cup winners going in at similar odds which is down to how competitive this race is with 20+ runners on the cavalry charge.
Three-year-old Tiger Moth had been heavily backed for the race in the built-up and ran a blinder at 11/2 in second place, while Prince of Arran yet again ran his race and was placed once more at 17/2.
40/1 shots The Chosen One and Persan came home fourth and fifth, but generally speaking it pays to stick to those with the form in the book and so it would be no surprise in 2021 to see the principals once again being 25/1 and below.
Melbourne Cup Favourites
Despite being overhauled on the big day by Surprise Baby, the one for money in the lead-up to the 2020 Melbourne Cup was Aidan O'Brien's young improver Tiger Moth.
Tiger Moth did easily the best of those at the top of the market, running a close second at 11/2, while 5/1 favourite Surprise Baby was underwhelming in 13th place which when you look at his form was not a great surprise at all.
17/2 shot Prince of Arran had been second and third in the race over the previous two years and so the bookmakers were taking no risks with him, and he duly filled third place once again.
9/1 pokes Verry Elleegant, who chased home Champion Stakes winner Addeybb twice earlier in the year, and 2019 Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck had contrasting fortunes.
The former ran a very good 7th after a busy year and the latter was unfortunately fatally injured. All in all, you'd say those among the favourites put up some pretty bold shows and it would be a surprise if Tiger Moth and Verry Elleegant especially weren't to the fore once more in the early 2021 betting.
Melbourne Cup Tips
We'd hope plenty of people managed to find the winner, Twilight Payment, in the 2021 renewal given his obvious strong form in the book.
Backers of Tiger Moth, and there were many, also got a great run for their money with the only genuine disappointment among the better-backed horses being Surprise Baby.
On the face of it, the Melbourne Cup is a difficult race in which to tip and in which to bet, but there should be some great value on offer once again in the early 2021 ante post betting.
Melbourne Cup History
The Melbourne Cup has a ton of history behind it, having been inaugurated in 1861. We've had well over 150 years now of 'the race that stops the nation' and while it was a simpler and humbler affair in the 1800's, it is now an international event of huge significance worth some $8million in prize money.
Run over 3,200 metres or just about two miles, the Melbourne Cup along with the Grand National, The Derby and the Kentucky Derby is one of the world's biggest betting thoroughbred races.
As of 2020, Joseph O'Brien's Twilight Payment is the latest horse to add his name to the trophy, a second win for the young trainer already.
Melbourne Cup FAQ
In conclusion, let's take a look at some of the frequently asked questions. Hopefully, this part of our article will be helpful to all new bettors, who don't have much experience. At the same time, it should be useful even for experienced bettors.
When is Melbourne Cup 2021?
Melbourne Cup will be held on 2nd November since the event is held annually every first Tuesday in November.
Who will win the Melbourne Cup 2021?
The bookmakers still have to start offering Melbourne Cup betting odds and offers. Horse racing odds payout chart. As soon as more information is available, we'll update our review.
Where to look for Melbourne Cup betting offers?
Melbourne Cup Race Live
As the event draws nearer, online sports betting operators will include more and more Melbourne Cup betting promotions on their menu. Make sure to carefully follow the operators' websites for new updates, as well as articles like ours that bring you closer all you have to know before start betting.
The most historic and prestigious race in Australia is no doubt the Melbourne Cup - but 2020 promises to be one of the most unique ever.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the showcase event of the Victorian Spring Carnival will be run in front of no spectators.
MORE: Final field and barrier draw
Craig Williams rode Vow and Declare to victory in the 2019 edition of the race, and the Australian galloper is a chance of going around again this year.
WHEN IS THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Melbourne Cup will go ahead on Tuesday 3rd November - THAT'S TODAY.
The Melbourne Cup has been held on the first Tuesday of November every year since 1875 (except for during the Second World War, when it was run on Saturdays).
Between the first running in 1861 and the change in 1875, the Melbourne Cup was run on a Thursday.
WHAT TIME IS THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The Melbourne Cup will be run at 3pm.
There's a few changes to this year's race, but the starting time is one thing that will remain the same.
In Queensland, the Melbourne Cup will be run at 2pm.
MELBOURNE CUP 2020 SCRATCHINGS
King of Leogrance has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup after a vet's inspection early on Tuesday morning.
The Danny O'Brien-trained horse presented with lameness in the off foreleg and was scratched from the race after being looked over by Dr Grace Forbes.
'It's one of those things that happens,' owner Nick Williams said.
'He must have a bit of a bruise there somewhere or an abscess brewing. It would be one of the two.
'If it had of arrived yesterday we probably could have treated it and had some chance. If it arrived tomorrow it wouldn't have been a problem.
'Unfortunately it arrived today. There's nothing we can do about it.'
WHAT CHANNEL IS THE MELBOURNE CUP ON - HOW TO WATCH THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The 2020 Melbourne Cup is being broadcast on Channel 10 after the station won the rights last year.
In August, Channel 7 - which had broadcast the race for a number of years - confirmed that it would broadcast all major Victorian race meets during 2020 and 2021, except the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The 10 Network will broadcast all major racedays across the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on October 31.
They'll also air the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday, 5 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday, 7 November.
MELBOURNE CUP LIVE STREAM
You can live stream the Melbourne Cup on Racing.com on Kayo.
MELBOURNE CUP DAY SCHEDULE
| 10:45am | Race 1: Group 3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate |
| 11:20am | Race 2: Listed World Horse Racing Desirable Stakes |
| 11:40am | Performance: The Rubens |
| 12:00pm | Race 3: Schweppervescence Plate |
| 12:40pm | Race 4: The Macca's Run |
| 1:20pm | Race 5: Listed TAB Trophy |
| 1:30pm | Lexus Melbourne Cup: The Race of Dreams Virtual Race |
| 1:55pm | Race 6: Grinders Coffee Roasters Trophy |
| 2:15pm | Pre-Cup Entertainment - Pete Murray, Jon Stevens |
| 2:20pm | Three-time Melbourne Cup Winner Makybe Diva to parade |
| 2:28pm | Australian National Anthem sung by Bonnie Anderson |
| 3:00pm | Race 7: Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup |
| 4:00pm | Race 8: Listed Furphy Plate |
| 4:05pm | Performance: Delate Goodrem |
| 4:40pm | Race 9: Group 3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes |
| 5:15pm | Race 10: Listed MSS Security Sprint |
MELBOURNE CUP WEATHER
Melbourne's temperemental weather often throws up challenges for the fans on Cup day, but that won't be an issue an this year.
The horses however will have to contend with some warm weather.
It will be interesting to see how some of the European horses cope with the conditions, with temperatures expected to hit close to 30 degrees by 3pm on Tuesday.
No rain is expected, while there may be a light breeze throughout the afternoon.
WHERE IS THE MELBOURNE CUP HELD?
The Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecourse, which is about 6km northwest of Melbourne's CBD.
Flemington opened in 1840 and now features a six furlong or 1200m straight, known as 'the Straight Six'. Its home straight is 450m long and races are run anti-clockwise.
HOW MANY HORSES ARE IN THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Each year, there are plenty of horses that are nominated for the big race.
But ultimately, only 24 horses will take on the Flemington track in 'the race that stops the nation'.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The prizemoney for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million, which is up on previous years' instalments.
The first 12 past the post receive prize money, with the winning connnections earning $4.4 million, second $1.1 million, third $550,000, fourth $350,000, fifth $230,000, with sixth through to twelve place earning $160,000.
WHAT CONDITIONS IS THE MELBOURNE CUP RUN UNDER
The Melbourne Cup is 3,200 metres.
It is a handicapped race for horses aged 3 years and above, with the minimum handicap weight set at 50kg.
2020 MELBOURNE CUP FINAL FIELD, BARRIERS AND ODDS
Tiger Moth and Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet headed the betting before the barrier draw.
However, Tiger Moth was a slight drifter after receiving barrier 23 ($6.50), with Anthony Van Dyck ($9) not far behind.
Surprise Baby ($8.50) and last year's runner-up Prince of Arran ($10) were the big winners from Saturday's draw.
Melbourne Cup 2019 Live Odds
Verry Elleegant ($11) and Russian Camelot ($12) are well-placed in the market.
2019 winner Vow and Declare is rated a $51 chance.
For the full market as of 2nd November, see below. Odds courtesy of Sportsbet.
| HORSE | TRAINER/JOCKEY | BARRIER | ODDS |
| 1. Anthony Van Dyck (58.5kg) | Aidan O'Brien/Hugh Bowman | 3 | $9.50 |
| 2. Avilius (57kg) | James Cummings/John Allen | 10 | $61 |
| 3. Vow and Declare (57kg) | Danny O'Brien/Jamie Mott | 4 | $51 |
| 4. Master of Reality (56kg) | Joseph O'Brien/Ben Melham | 11 | $20 |
| 5. Sir Dragonet (55.5kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Glen Boss | 14 | $12 |
| 6. Twilight Payment (55.5kg) | Joseph O'Brien/Jye McNeill | 12 | $26 |
| 7. Verry Elleegant (55.5kg) | Chris Waller/Mark Zahra | 15 | $11 |
| 8. Mustajeer (55kg) | Kris Lees/Michael Rodd | 2 | $71 |
| 9. Stratum Albion (55kg) | Willie Mullins/Jordon Childs | 9 | $41 |
| 10. Dashing Willoughby (54.5kg) | Andrew Balding/Michael Walker | 19 | $67 |
| 11. Finche (54.5kg) | Chris Waller/James McDonald | 6 | $18 |
| 12. Prince of Arran (54.5kg) | Charlie Fellowes/Jamie Kah | 1 | $11 |
| 13. Surprise Baby (54.5kg) | Paul Preusker/Craig Williams | 7 | $8.00 |
| 14. King of Leogrance (53.5kg) | Danny O'Brien/Damien Lane | SCR | SCR |
| 15. Russian Camelot (53.5kg) | Danny O'Brien/Damien Oliver | 16 | $12 |
| 16. Steel Prince (53.5kg) | Anthony & Sam Freedman/William Pike | 21 | $41 |
| 17. The Chosen One (53.5kg) | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman/ Daniel Stackhouse | 5 | $41 |
| 18. Ashrun (53kg) | Andreas Wohler/Declan Bates | 24 | $26 |
| 19. Warning (53kg) | Anthony & Sam Freedman/Luke Carrie | 8 | $51 |
| 20. Etah James (52.5kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Billy Egan | 22 | $81 |
| 21. Tiger Moth (52.5kg) | Aidan O'Brien/Kerrin McEvoy | 23 | $6.50 |
| 22. Oceanex (51.5kg) | Mick Price & Michael Kent/Dean Yendall | 17 | $71 |
| 23. Miami Bound (51kg) | Danny O'Brien/Daniel Moor | 13 | $34 |
| 24. Persan (51kg) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/Michael Dee | 20 | $34 |
SIR DRAGONET WINS 2020 COX PLATE
The previous four instalments of the Cox Plate had been won by arguably the greatest racehorse Australia has seen, Winx.
There may have been no crowd at the Valley for the 100th running of the Cox Plate, but veteran Jockey Glen Boss didn't care as he romped to the win on Sir Dragonet ($8).
It was Boss' fourth Cox Plate and he celebrated as hard as ever as he passed the winning post, edging out another European galloper in Armory.
Now trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eastace, the Irish-bred five-year-old proved too strong, hitting the front 100m from home and powering to victory by a length and a half.
Pre-race favourite Russian Camelot finished third in wet conditions at Mooney Valley.
Take a look at the final stages below.
Unbelievable. Sir Dragonet has won the 100th edition of the #CoxPlate100 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. pic.twitter.com/clwk9P2Eav
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 24, 2020CHRIS WALLER CONFIRMS TWO STARTERS FOR MELBOURNE CUP
Top trainer Chris Waller has confirmed Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant will feature in the Melbourne Cup, as will two-time Turnbull Stakes placegetter Finche - the gelding's third time around two miles at Flemington.
Toffee Tongue however will not be entered, connections opting to spell or target her at other races.
Melbourne Cup Media Release pic.twitter.com/Af0VGZTUJu
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) October 20, 2020Melbourne Cup 2020 Live Odds
STEEL PRINCE WINS THE GEELONG CUP
Seven-year-old gelding Steel Prince should get another crack at the Melbourne Cup after claiming a gutsy win in the Geelong Cup.
Steel Prince held off Le Don De Vie to take out the race, which should be enough to see him jump up the order of entry into the cup.
The tough Steel Prince fights out the finish to win the Group 3 Geelong Cup from Le Don De Vie on the line. pic.twitter.com/caeM9smsTd
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 21, 2020VERRY ELLEEGANT WINS CAULFIELD CUP
One of the big lead-up races to the Melbourne Cup every year is the Caulfield Cup - and this year, it was won by one of the country's most popular horses.
Verry Elleegant held out highly-rated European stayer Anthony Van Dyck to win the 2020 Caulfield Cup.
The Chris Waller trained-mare was a slight favourite ($5) pre-race and the market was spot on, as Mark Zahra managed to hold off Hugh Bowman and Anthony Van Dyck.
Roughie The Chosen One rounded out the placings.
She's a sensational mare. 👌 @cwallerracing gets his first Caulfield Cup as Verry Elleegant wins in stylish fashion from Anthony Van Dyck. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RZtnFy9vH0
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 17, 2020Verry Elleegant has now come into $10 for the Melbourne Cup after the impressive victory.
SIR DRAGONET WINS THE COX PLATE
There may have been no crowd at the Valley for the 100th running of the Cox Plate, but veteran Jockey Glen Boss didn't care as he romped to the win on Sir Dragonet ($8).
Live Melbourne Cup Odds
It was Boss' fourth Cox Plate and he celebrated as hard as ever as he passed the winning post, edging out another European galloper in Armory.
Now trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eastace, the Irish-bred five-year-old proved too strong, hitting the front 100m from home and powering to victory by a length and a half.
Pre-race favourite Russian Camelot finished third in wet conditions at Mooney Valley.
Take a look at the final stages below.
Unbelievable. Sir Dragonet has won the 100th edition of the #CoxPlate100 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. pic.twitter.com/clwk9P2Eav
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 24, 2020ASHRUN QUALIFIES AFTER HOTHAM WIN
German trainer Andreas Wohler, who tasted Melbourne Cup glory with Protectionist in 2014, will have another crack this year after Ashrun won the Hotham on Derby Day.
Melbourne Cup Live Odds Tab
Carrying 61kg, Ashrun missed the jump and ended up last on the rails, with a slow pace doing him no favours.
Kerrin McEvoy managed to find clear air at the top of the straight and the five-year-old stallion proved just strong enough to run down Sound on the line.
Melbourne Cup 2020 Odds
Last on the fence, a massive win from Ashrun.
You have to feel for connections of Sound. @brentzerafa takes a look at the race thanks to @DrinkWiseAus. pic.twitter.com/datlOo8uG4
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 31, 2020