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.
This year, qualification is assured in the field, and he has an allocation of 54.5kg in the Melbourne Cup. The 2,000-metre Group 1 race is far more suitable for him this year, and he comes in at odds of 12 at William Hill. Finche has performed brilliantly during the last two runnings at the Melbourne Cup. Fixed odds are often available well in advance of an event's start time. This means they can be especially useful for punters who can identify value in early markets. For major races such as the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup, Fixed Odds betting is available for the better part of the year, in the Melbourne Cup's case the odds for the next. Melbourne Cup 2014 field & betting odds The 2014 Melbourne Cup is a 3200m handicap race at Flemington on November 4th. Field, barriers and betting odds for this years Melbourne Cup updated here.
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?
Melbourne Cup Fixed Odds Calculator
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.
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.
Melbourne Cup Odds Comparison
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 Fixed Odds 2019
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
Melbourne Cup 2020 Odds
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
Melbourne Cup Fixed Odds
— 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).
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.
Melbourne Cup Fixed Odds Ncaa Basketball
Take a look at the final stages below.
Melbourne Cup Fixed Odds For Today
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.
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.
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