The Sportsbet Melbourne Cup: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sportsbet Melbourne Cup is one of the most iconic horse races in the world, attracting millions of viewers and bettors each year. Held annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, the race has a rich history dating back to 1861. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup, including its history, traditions, betting markets, and tips for punters.

History and Traditions

The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861 as the "Victoria Racing Club Derby Sweepstakes." The race was renamed the Melbourne Cup in 1876. The race has been held at Flemington Racecourse every year since its inception, with the exception of 1942 and 1943, when it was held at Caulfield Racecourse due to World War II.

The Melbourne Cup is a Group 1 race, the highest level of horse racing in Australia. The race is run over a distance of 3,200 meters (two miles) and is open to horses aged three years and older. The winner of the Melbourne Cup receives the Melbourne Cup trophy, which is a gold cup worth approximately $200,000.

The Melbourne Cup is a major social event in Australia, and it is attended by hundreds of thousands of people each year. The race is known for its colorful fashion, and many attendees dress in their finest attire. The Melbourne Cup is also a popular betting event, with millions of dollars wagered on the race each year.

Betting Markets

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most heavily bet on horse races in the world. There are a variety of betting markets available, including:

• Win: Bet on the horse to finish first.
• Place: Bet on the horse to finish first, second, or third.
• Quinella: Bet on the horses to finish first and second in any order.
• Exacta: Bet on the horses to finish first and second in the exact order.
• Trifecta: Bet on the horses to finish first, second, and third in the exact order.

The odds for each horse are determined by a number of factors, including the horse's form, the jockey's experience, and the trainer's record. The odds can change significantly in the lead-up to the race, so it is important to shop around for the best prices.

Tips for Punters

There are a number of things that punters can do to increase their chances of winning on the Melbourne Cup. These include:

• Do your research: The more you know about the horses, the jockeys, and the trainers, the better prepared you will be to make informed bets.
• Compare odds: The odds for each horse can vary significantly from bookmaker to bookmaker. It is important to compare odds before placing your bets to ensure that you are getting the best possible price.
• Consider value bets: Value bets are bets that offer a high potential return for a relatively low risk. Look for horses that are underpriced by the bookmakers.
• Manage your bankroll: It is important to set a budget for your betting and stick to it. Do not bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you are new to betting on horse racing, do not be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or experienced punters.

How to Bet on the Melbourne Cup

There are a number of ways to bet on the Melbourne Cup. These include:

• Online betting: Online betting is the most convenient way to bet on the Melbourne Cup. There are a number of reputable online bookmakers that offer betting on the race.
• Telephone betting: Telephone betting is another option for betting on the Melbourne Cup. You can call a bookmaker's hotline and place your bets over the phone.
• In-person betting: You can also bet on the Melbourne Cup in person at a bookmaker's shop. This is a good option if you want to get the best possible odds and atmosphere.

Call to Action

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most exciting and prestigious horse races in the world. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a first-time better, we encourage you to give the race a try. With a little research and preparation, you can increase your chances of winning on the big day.

Further Reading

• Sportsbet Melbourne Cup website
• Melbourne Racing Club website
• Australian Turf Club website

Tables

Table 1: Melbourne Cup Winners (2010-2022)

Table 2: Melbourne Cup Betting Markets

Table 3: Melbourne Cup Tips for Punters