Melbourne Cup Racing Betting Guide
How Melbourne Cup markets work and the Australian racing bet types you will see.
Visit Winspirit →Melbourne Cup markets include win, place, each-way and exotics such as quinella and trifecta. It is a Group 1 handicap over 3,200 metres at Flemington with up to 24 runners, run on the first Tuesday of November. Fixed odds lock at bet time.
Melbourne Cup racing markets
- Melbourne Cup markets include win, place, each-way and exotics such as quinella and trifecta.
- The Melbourne Cup is a Group 1 handicap over 3,200 metres at Flemington, with prize money of about 8 million dollars.
- Fixed-odds prices lock in at bet time; tote (parimutuel) dividends are set at the jump. The field is capped at 24 runners.
- Run on the first Tuesday of November, it is Australia's most famous race, staged over roughly 3 minutes 20 seconds.
Melbourne Cup facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3,200 m |
| Grade | Group 1 handicap |
| Field | Up to 24 |
| Held | First Tuesday of November |
Frequently asked questions
What is each-way betting?
An each-way wager is two bets: one for the win and one for a place. It pays if the runner wins or finishes in the paid places.
What is the difference between fixed odds and tote?
Fixed odds lock in the price when you bet; tote (parimutuel) dividends are only finalised at the start based on the pool.
Can I bet after the race starts?
No. Racing markets close at the jump, and in-play wagers are not available online in Australia.