1.New Zealand-bred runners
Humidor
Just the one for the 2017 edition of the race that stops two nations. Humidor is bred by former All Black Mark Carter.
Humidor ran second at the Cox Plate a week ago, inches behind wonder-mare Winx, so has some good form coming in. Trainer Darren Weir was also at the helm of the last Kiwi-bred horse to cross the line first, Prince of Penzance in 2015.
2.Money Money Money
In 2016, the New Zealand TAB took just more than 2 million bets on Melbourne Cup day with a whopping NZ$22.12 million in cash spent by punters. The average bet was $10 with $10.58 million spent on the Melbourne Cup race alone.
3. New Zealand history
In the 156 runnings, New Zealand-bred horses have won 43, of which 16 were also New Zealand-trained.
The last New Zealand bred horse to win the Cup was Prince of Penzance in 2015, while we have to go back to 1997 for the last Kiwi jockey to win when Jimmy Cassidy brought it home with Might and Power.
4. Kiwi jockeys in 2017
Three New Zealand born riders will be in the gates at just after 5pm this afternoon. Cory Parish is aboard Boom Time who is one of the favourites to win it all.
Michael Walker will ride Bondi Beach who is paying just over $60 for the win - Walker is back in the saddle after an injury-plagued 2017.
Michael Dee is the final NZ jockey to look out for riding outsider Gallante.
5. The attack from the North
Eleven of the 23 runners are overseas-trained, including British galloper Marmelo, who is the favorite for the win. German trainer Andreas Wohler is back for another tilt at the Cup with the highly rated Red Cardinal, after bringing previous winner Protectionist down under in 2014.
6. History beckons for 2016 winner
Almandin could become the first horse since Makybe Diva to win back-to-back. The latter accomplishing the astonishing feat of winning three in a row from 2003-2005.
The 2016 winner has slipped to second favorite, paying $8 for the win.
7. Fighting the odds
Kathy O'Hara will be aboard Single Gaze as she looks to become only the second female jockey to win the big race at Flemington, Michelle Payne, winner in 2015, will not be a part of this year's edition as she is serving a suspension after failing a drugs test earlier this year.
8.The outsiders
If you want to make some serious coin then look at betting the house on a Gillante, US Army Ranger and Bondi Beach trifecta.
Not saying these three will come home in front however, all are at long odds to get the win, but if you do come into the cash you can contact me at Newshub for my cut.
9.The favourites
If you want to make easy money then chuck a sly little $5 on a Marmelo, Almandin and Humidor trifecta.
Other favoured rides include Hartnell, Johannes Vermeer and Tiberian.
Good luck!
Newshub.
