Flemington Racecourse hosts the Melbourne Cup today with the nation of Australia paused to take in the showcase for the 162nd time. The 2-mile journey will be worth $7.7 million (Aus) with nearly two-dozen runners upon which to place a bet.

Here is your Melbourne Cup Need to Know.

Post Time: Midnight ET
Track Code: Australia A (Flemington Racecourse)
Wagering Format: win-place-show, exacta, trifecta and superfecta
Early Changes: scratch 21-Point Napean
Last Favorite to Win: 2013
Favorite’s Win Percentage: 21%
Top Lead-In Races: Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup

Leading Horses:

8-Deauville Legend: Favorite among the bookmakers arrives via England’s Newmarket. Lightly raced 3-year-old has been first or second in 6 of 7 lifetime starts. Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (2000, 2016, 2018) owns the most Melbourne Cup wins among active riders in this race.

3-Knights Order: Potential pacemaker led much of the recent Caulfield Cup before setting for third. Trained by legendary Aussie conditioner Gai Waterhouse.

4-Montefilia: Mare rallied strongly for fourth in the Caulfield Cup, matching last year’s finish in that signature race. Bypassed Melbourne Cup in 2021, but accepting the challenge at age 5.

6-Without A Fight: English invader for trainer Simon Crisford and jockey William Buick will garner much international recognition. Only poor effort this year came in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup Night at Meydan.