The spring carnival is coming to a close, with November hitting and plenty of the big races across Melbourne and Sydney have already been run and won.
But the one race that gets everybody talking is of course the Melbourne Cup, with a total of $8 million in prize money and millions of fans across the country tuning in for 'the race that stops the nation'.
Last year, Gold Trip took out the event and has been confirmed to go around once again, while the likes of Vauban and Without A Fight are also highly-fancied chances.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 Melbourne Cup.
When is the 2023 Melbourne Cup?
This year's Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday 7th November.
The race 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 2023 Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup will be run at 3pm AEDT - the same as every other year.
How to watch the 2023 Melbourne Cup
The last three years, Channel 10 have broadcast the Melbourne Cup Carnival and will do so again in 2023.
10 Network will broadcast all major racedays across the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on November 4th. They'll also air the Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9th November.
Sky Racing will also broadcast the running of the Melbourne Cup.
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 through a long-winding process.
But ultimately, 24 horses will take on the Flemington track in 'the race that stops the nation'.
Melbourne Cup prize money
The prizemoney for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million, and there has been no indication of that changing for 2023.
The winning connections receives $4.4 million.
What conditions is the Melbourne Cup run under?
The Melbourne Cup is 3200 metres.
It is a handicapped race for horses aged 3 years and above, with the minimum handicap weight set at 50kg.
Melbourne Cup 2023 tickets
To buy tickets for this year's Melbourne Cup, click here.
Melbourne Cup 2023 betting odds
The final field has been locked in, with the likes of Vauban and Gold Trip at the top of the betting market.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of November 7th at 2:50pm AEDT. Say HEY to the social bet, Download the DABBLE app.
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Gold Trip (2) | James McDonald | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $7 |
| 2. Alenquer (9) | Damien Oliver | Michael Moroney | $34 |
| 3. Without A Fight (16) | Mark Zahra | A & S. Freedman | $7.50 |
| 4. Breakup (18) | Kohei Matsuyama | Tatsuya Yoshioka | $17 |
| 5. Vauban (3) | Ryan Moore | Willie Mullins | $5.50 |
| 6. Soulcombe (4) | Joao Moreira | Chris Waller | $10 |
| 7. Absurde (8) | Zac Purton | Willie Mullins | $7.50 |
| 8. Right You Are (15) | John Allen | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $23 |
| 9. Vow And Declare (19) | Billy Egan | Danny O'Brien | $26 |
| 11. Ashrun (11) | Kerrin McEvoy | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $26 |
| 12. Daqiansweet Junior (12) | Daniel Stackhouse | Phillip Stokes | $51 |
| 13. Okita Soushi (20) | Dylan Gibbons | Joseph O'Brien | $71 |
| 14. Sheraz (22) | Beau Mertens | Chris Waller | $101 |
| 15. Lastotchka (21) | Craig Williams | M.Price/M.Kent Jr | $26 |
| 16. Magical Lagoon (7) | Mark Du Plessis | Chris Waller | $101 |
| 17. Military Mission (5) | Rachel King | G.Waterhouse/A.Bott | $26 |
| 18. Serpentine (1) | Jye McNeill | G.Watehouse/A.Bott | $51 |
| 19. Virtuous Circle (6) | Craig Newitt | Liam Howley | $101 |
| 20. More Felons (24) | Jamie Kah | Chris Waller | $26 |
| 21. Future History (13) | Hollie Doyle | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $19 |
| 22. Interpretation (17) | Teodore Nugent | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $61 |
| 23. Kalapour (14) | Zac Lloyd | Kris Lees | $51 |
| 24. True Marvel (10) | Ben Thompson | Matthew Smith | $91 |
Melbourne Cup past winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2022 | Gold Trip |
| 2021 | Verry Elleegant |
| 2020 | Twilight Payment |
| 2019 | Vow and Declare |
| 2018 | Cross Counter |
| 2017 | Rekindling |
| 2016 | Almandin |
| 2015 | Prince of Penzance |
| 2014 | Protectionist |
| 2013 | Fiorente |
| 2012 | Green Moon |
