All times BST
0455: That's it. Thanks for your company all morning, afternoon and night! So near, so far yet again. As I unplug the laptop the stewards have called in Aidan O'Brien's three jockeys to discuss their rides. Aussie broadcasters talking team tactics. I'm not. I'm talking bed.
0439: We end with a blast from Garrett McCarthy : "You spend half the night writing about stella and wispas and when we really want to know the important things like whats happened to the European raiders, you've disappeared. Tell us something we don't already know!!!"
It's a fair cop! Right. Bauer was second, Profound Beauty fifth, she didn't stay. Mad Rush seventh or eighth, made headway down the stretch but could never land a blow.
Alessandro Volta made the running and was headed by Septimus turning in. Both weakened rapidly and finished alongside stablemate Honolulu towards the rear of the field. He was third until the turn in.
0430: Ron Orgiefsky asks where did Mad Rush finish? Seventh or eighth I think. Never quite got there. Winning distance a nose. A very small nose. A button nose.
0412: Andy got out of bed to see his saver Bauer beaten a nostril at 20-1. He's taken it well, saying: "What a great race but they went too hard up front."
The O'Brien trio raced one-two-three to the home turn but were soon beating a retreat. Mad Rush never landed a blow, Profound Beauty was second a furlong out but didn't quite get home. But Bauer, what a race he ran.
0408: Viewed has beaten Bauer by a nostril hair. Bart Cummings has won a 12th Melbourne Cup but what agony for Luca Cumani - again.
0406: Septimus is nearly last. Photo and Bauer is in it.
0402: Off!! Septimus is very handy. Here comes Honolulu to make it.
0400: Mad Rush is going to start favourite. Good luck everyone! The race that stops a nation is nearly off.
0359: The master of Ballydoyle labels this "the most amazing racing experience I've ever had". Loading.
0357: Aidan O'Brien worried about the "very fast ground" for my selection.
0355: Mad Rush among the first of the runners to go behind the stalls. Septimus for me.
0353: Going down. You have to expect Honolulu and Alessndro Volta to make this a proper gallop.
0347: Nom Du Jeu the one for money on course. Profound Beauty now drifting but she looks wonderful.
0342: Andy is back after his nap. I'd written him off.
He writes: "morning, slleept through my first alarm, but the second worked got a treble cappachino and ready to go to war! how was your night?"
Flown by Andy! Need Septimus here. Only horse not in the parade ring yet. Herculean effort to get back up.
0342: Daniel Munn is no music fan. He writes: "Enough of these bloomin' tenors....let's get down to business! 20mins to go".
Having heard their rendition of the national athem, I'm with Daniel.
0340: In the parade ring. It's nearly show time!
0336: The ten tennors are back for the national anthem. It seems as though Claire Lindop aboard Moatize is the crowd favourite.
0335: Liz Clemments is justifiably proud of the Melbourne Cup. She says of this year's renewal: "Such a great day for the World's Greatest Races. Melbournians should be proud of their city. It is a wonderful advertisement for Australia. The jockey's all look fantastic in their colours and the excitement is at fever pitch. Good luck and lets hope all the horses get home safely."
0332: The jockeys are being introduced to the crowd. For once Johnny Murtagh's timing is off. He steps forward instead of waving.
0331: I miscalculated. There were ten tenors. No fivers though.
0330: A touch of class with nine tenors weaving their magic. In Britain we had the 'Three Fivers'. Sadly Brucie, Lynchie and Tarby don't seem to be there.
0325: Hopes are high in Italy. Franco Airaghi says: "A year ago Luca Cumani after the second post of Purple Moon said: I don't leave things halfway! And this year has prepared mad for a big run! I think Mad Rush win !! ciao from Italy."
0310: Here we go. 50 minutes to post time and Channel Seven have just had a sound byte from all 22 jockeys. Septimus and Mad Rush must go close. Surely?
0250: Liz Clemments is enjoying the big night on and off the track. She writes: "120,000 people at Flemington today as the build up to the big race continues. I just love the fashion. Jennifer Hawkins, the fomer Miss Universe was on the television looking resplendent in her outfit. So many gorgeous women and well dressed fellas. The horses and lead up races are almost a side show."
Almost Liz! Just over an hour now.
0245: Lots of fascinators on view. Thankfully after the 'Brits On The Booze' shame of earlier, no nipples.
0240: Money at last for Septimus on the TAB. He is now paying $7.90. He's arrived with his two stablemates.
0231: Message from Mark Monkhouse in Dubai. He writes: "I will be at the stalls at Nad Al Sheba when the race is running, can you put up the 1-2-3 on your blog and where all the Europeans finished if possible and I am also interested how J D Sadler's horses run. It would be a great help, hope you are enjoying the great spectacle!!!!!!!"
No problem Mark. I am. They're showing some of the great winners of the race now. Still get goose pimples when Vintage Crop wins.
0230: Daniel Munn is still with me. He is running out of artificial aids though, writing: "Well...I'm still here despite running out of coffee! Slight doubts creeping in now about Septimus. I'm hoping it's third time lucky for a big antepost bet. The last two big priced runners I had were Unsung Heroine (St Leger) and Henrythenavigator (Breeders Cup) both over 20-1 Here's hoping Septimus or his mate Alessandro Volta at a whopping 45-1 can come home in style!"
0225: Liz Clemments believes Dermot Weld could be about to win a third Melbourne Cup. She says: "Dermot Weild may not be confident now but he will be once Profound Beauty runs clear in the straight to victory. Her form on the training track has been exceptional this week."
Certainly been money for her Liz. Will she stay? I do sense they feel she is well handicapped.
0221: "That's a great thrill, something special," beams Murtagh who adds Septimus is a "great horse". He still hopes for a shower. Blue skies overhead.
0220: Hips Don't Lie wins for JP Murtagh. Good ride. Whip action amusing the local pundits. Use the anger Johnny. Use the anger.
0211: Mad Rush 9-2 favourite on track. Septimus weak at 11-2 we are told. The price isn't moving though.
0203: Profound Beauty, Mad Rush and Bauer arrived at the track. Mad Rush looks magnificent. They all do.
0200: Two hours to race time. Now, for the first time, I really think I'm going to make it.
0158: Objection dismissed. The stewards could not be certain the third would have won anyway. Great drama. Certainly better than Prisoner Cell Block H, my first taste of Australian TV.
0155: We're now outside the stewards' room with the rival connections. Winning trainer Peter Snowdon expects the officials to "come up with the right decision". He is beginning to sweat.
0150: Stewards enquiry at Flemington - and it's televised. Glenn Boss has got the better of McEvoy in the stewards' room for me. However his mount was only third? Which way will they go? It's like an upmarket Judge Judy.
0133: Murtagh just about last as Kerrin McEvoy wins on Neroli in the Sheikh Mohammed silks.
0130: Johnny Murtagh rides Musidora in the next, sporting the Coolmore silks. Nice sighter for the jockey.
0122: Daryll Hall is still firmly with Septimus. He can see Bauer going well too.
0120: Dermot Weld "more hopeful than confident" over Profound Beauty. However he says if Septimus handles the ground, he'll win.
0110: Interview with an Australian model who has tonsilitis now on. She has foregone champagne for water. No place for her at Daryll's cider fest then.
0105: Liz's harsh words have not dented Daryll Hall's confidence in Septimus. Or is that down to the cider? He writes: "well i have s strong believe in septimus tbh .. i think he is a cut above these others regardless of weather . the ground is ok other wise o'brien would surely not of risked it.. well we will see soon wont we .. glad to see murtagh come out and say that ..... go on J P .. ride him home son ...the curry has gone down and the magners is in full flow ..."
Keep going Daryll!
0103: Liz Clemments is back with the best of the home defence. She writes; "We will claim the kiwis as locals and call ourselves Australasia. The best of the locals are:- Barbaricus, C'est La Guerre for last years' winning owner Lloyd Williams and Nom de Jeu."
Cheers Liz. Mad Rush favourite in the ring at 9-2, Septimus next best at 11-2.
0100: Three hours to race time. How are we faring? Bet the Stella crew are suffering most. I have now developed Wispa sweats.
0045: Liz Clemments can't have Septimus on her mind. She writes: "I will give you 1,000-1 for Septimus. No chance on the Flemington track with such a lovely warm day. British horses not used to the sun being out. When will the Northern Hemishere horses learn they have to run our way down in Australia to win?"
What's the pick of the home team Liz?
0042: Ground now offiically good three.
0035: Johnny Murtagh feels "this is one of the biggest days of my career". He says the ground is "good to firm" and hopes Septimus will handle it but would like a shower or two. None forecast now.
0025: Aussie fashion expert just tipped Mad Rush. So has the roving reporter who is under the illusion Luca Cumani trains in America.
0022: Australian actor Hugh Sheridan just had a charity bet. He is a young, virile, Derek Thompson.
0020: Niall is in the Septimus camp and he argues the Ballydoyle team have learned lessons from the past.
He writes: "I seem to remember Fallon saying after Yeats flopped, "he just hated the stop start pace" I think Honolulu or Alessandro will take care of that. The Aussies won't know what hit them early doors. The mighty Septimus will stride through them off a true pace. Get on Johnny Group 1."
Ypu are right there Niall but then he warns: "I hate Wispas. Worked in a shop years ago, ate about 14 of em one after the other. Not a good idea."
Dread to think what happened. I have a dull ache in the stomach region after five. At this rate I could be watching the big one via the lap top while astride trap two.
0015: Feature on waxing now on Channel Seven. Just relieved they refused to do my back in the Pamper Zone at Cheltenham two years ago.
0005: Johnny Whelan has just raised the bar. He asks: "could A.P. have the first three home? they all have proven group form and are all running on merit, would not be the first time he's done it in a major race, dont think mad rush would have been fav over honolulu if they met this past year in the uk and now what 4/1 v 20/1 cant be right. What of Alessandro Volta, beaten 2 lenths in the irish derby, septimus speaks for himself, tricast not impossible fella's at a massive price!"
If it comes in we can all afford to go out together for next year' race Johnny! Alessandro Volta interesting with the headgear on. Lovely weight. Honolulu massive talent. I'm almost a believer!
0003: Origami Miss your winner. The owners are celebrating hard. More Stella men than Wispa fellas I sense.
0000: Off for the next. If you can record these races before thebig one. They'll turn up in years to come at Race Nights in pubs and clubs throughout the country. I once landed a real touch at the Cock And Crown in Crofton after recognising the race before the Japan Cup.
2356: Runner in the next at Flemington wearing the "Choisir" silks of Paul Perry. He was some horse - but I'll be eternally grateful for the fact Oasis Dream was even greater in the July Cup. Could be the last winner I backed...
2350: Daniel Munn is playing G1 jockey and drinking coffee. Little late in the night for multi-tasking Daniel - be careful! Daryll Hall's confidence in Septimus is growing with every cider.
2334: Andrew Murphyto the rescue again. A Dead 4 going description means: "Track with give, better side of Dead."
2339: Many thanks to Andrew Murphy for sending me a link to a story confirming Septimus' run. He isn't with the top weight though, arguing: "Can't see fast ground and the tight track playing to his strengths though. I have a few shillings on Profound Beauty at 40/1 so hoping for a good run. She's got the jock, trainer, draw, early pace, ground and has been catching pigeons in her trackword down under. Mad Rush the big danger. Roll on 4am, in work at eight so laying off the Stella unfortunately!"
Andrew, you are a star and that is a belting bet you have. You are right to lay off the booze. Tuesday drinking is a cry for help. So is eating five Wispas in a two hour period.
Roll on 4am, in work at eight so laying off the Stella unfortunately!
2332: Daryll Hall has a great night ahead but strange confectionary tastes. He writes of Septmus' on-course price: "im shocked at his price to i mean i took 5/1 i mean must admit was the reason i bet opn him i felt that was to good to miss out on .. if the horse runs to its full potential surely the other will be left standing ....im not to sure i think alot of people are sterring clear of the horse cause of the doubt but i think the horse will hold its price ..i do like wispas i must admit but id rather some peanut m&ms ...but im just looking forward to my currie to be truthful . we having a bash on the xbox 360 now keeping ourself occupied at this hour ... roll on 4Am .."
Keep going lads. Are you playing G1 Jockey? I became addicted to that game.
2330: Daniel Munn has a Septimus query. "Already on at 14-1 antepost....reckon it's worth another nibble at 6-1 on the exchanges or should I wait and go on the PMU?"
Great bet Daniel - but tough call now. He's paying nearly 8-1 on track now - but will the money come? I honestlly don't know. Let me have another Wispa and get back to you.
2325: Advice from Derek Donnelly. He writes: "Do not disturb Philip Burns at 4am by texting him. If it is Philip Burns I know who goes by the name of Lucky Burns he has never picked a winner in his life so you will just be disturbing his sleep. Septimus is the class horse and will murder this field."
Darry I will allow PB to sleep through and I hope you're right about Septimus. Just raised my final Wispa in the air to echo your sentiments.
2323: There were seven runners in the first but they split into two groups. It could be one of those nights. If you backed Rostova get in the queue. She's hosed in. Stephen King rode the winner. He's a busy guy.
2322: Confirmation Septimus runs. Reach for the Stella, Carling, Wispas or anything else guys and gals. We have a race.
2321: Going to post for the first at Flemington. It seems the Timmy Mallett doppelgangerworks for Channel Seven.
2320: Aussie presenters can't believe the price Septimus is paying. I can't believe the size of the flowers they have on their lapels.
2315: Australian TV presenter wants details of our Melbourne Cup parties. I'm currently watching on the sofa with a dog and a third Wispa of the night. It's a party of sorts I suppose.
2310: Showers still forecast. The track rating is dead 4. Don't know what that means. Septimus running at this stage though. Septimus now paying $8.90 on course.
2309: Daryll Hall's night just gets better. He writes: "yea im fully set up . just ordered in a vindaloo actually no spag bowl for me .. love my spicey food you see . . my girlie mates opted for a korma ... is there any news from down under yet ... lets hope its a euro winner at least (septimus) would be rather nice ...."
That would be very nice.
2255: Just seen a photo of the first racegoer to arrive at Flemington. He is a Timmy Mallett doppelganger in a massive yellow bow tie.
2250: Daryll Hall is preparing for a brutal night of cider and racing. He writes: "Just got in from work having popped into ladbrookes ... got told septimus is classed as (doubtful) interesting however . i still could not refuse to put my money on it ...then there was a trip to asda to make use of the offer they have on magners.... 10 bottles for £10 nice ... keeps me happy .. this years melbourne cup is so open there may be a big surprise i mean zipping was getting backed in ladbrookes .. all the boys are due round for live coverage from melbourne later ... what does everybody reckon?"
Daryll you seem to have all bases covered. Just steer clear of spaghetti and wispas. I over indulged earlier and have not felt my feet for three hours now.
2222: The 'Boozed Up Brits Abroad' are now in a strip club. Hope that's the only nipple I see all night. Get the impression daring fashion is the order of the day at Flemington though.
2220: Daniel Munn is seeing it through. I only hope he's not a surgeon. He writes: "Staying up right through to 4am here Dave then hoping to catch 2 hours sleep before I get up at 7 for a 9-5 working day. I feel a day fuelled by Red Bull coming on! Surely Aidan O Brien can win one more group 1 this season? "
Yeats broke his long drought recently in France Daniel. Like you I can see the great man landing this. But are we writing off his other two runners prematurely? Cant help but think the draw has seen to Honolulu.
2215: Melbourne Cup day not on At The Races yet. Instead "Boozed Up Brits Abroad" on Bravo has caught my eye. Some lads on a stag do in Prague are trying to avoid trouble. They won't. I can tell.
2210: A dash through the Sky channels finds "Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men" on Bravo. Vic Dart is the man tonight. He is a lovely fella apparently but you don't want to see him flip. I don't. Back to At The Races.
2205: Andy, as our anonymous Stella swigger from earlier will now be known, has gone for a nap. He'll be back at 0300. Begin to tire myself. It's the brutal mix of chocolate and spag that's done it. Even Ainsley Harriott wouldn't recommend it.
2203: John from Southampton asks what time we can expect the Septimus decision. I'm guessing around midnight our time. Still no rain in Melbourne. Steve Till isn't trying hard enough.
2200: Wispa number two downed. Still six hours to race time. If I was in Australia I'd be tucking into Cherry Ripes. Not for breakfast though. Always found Australian breakfasts their weakest meal. The rest wereoutstanding though.
2155: David Dent writes: "Septimus out to 6.2 on the major UK exchange! Seems too big to me - a group horse in a handicap? Surely, even without the rain, the 2 mile trip gives it an outstanding chance? What's your current opinion on this 'value' bet?"
He's certainly backable David - but at 13/2 already in Australia just what price will he start? There must be a chance he'll outclass them - the ground the worry. C'est La Guerre my each-way fancy at double-figure prices. I'll be upset if "we" don't win it though.
2152: My first anonymous entry and a cracker. Our man is on Mad Rush at 9-2 and writes: "Sounds like a big price for a horse with a turn of foot,and a drop of rain wont do it no harm,hope the spag aint too heavy, stella is flowing and i phoned in sick, all systems go!!"
With the Stella flowing you'll need more stamina than Mad Rush to see this through! I like his style. Just throw in a Wispa and you have the perfect night.
2150: Just had the dog out on the premise of a walk. Real reason is a three for £1 Wispa offer at the local Spa. Nina is in bed and will never know.
2130: Richard Fennelly asks do you have any ten year trends or similar to help us avoid obvious pitfalls? Not really. However I'm told no three-year-old has won since Skipton in 1941. Four and five-year-olds are history's favourite generations. Top weights can win and the Caulfield Cup is a good trial. Septimus and Mad Rush to dead-heat then.
2125: News reaches me from friend and former colleague Steve Till who is in Melbourne. "I've had my first cup of tea of the day. I can see clearly now and the rain hasn't yet arrived. It's a chilly start to the day but no H2O from the sky," he reports. Rain dance required Steve. Shake those hips for Europe.
2115: David Alexander has a good bet running. He writes: "Having backed Septimus at 14/1 almost nine months ago I pray he runs, but my local fancies are Barbaricus and Zipping, bumped into Weld at the Breeders Cup and he is keen on his horse, but for me it's Septimus or a home horse. Didn't overdo the spag did you, or maybe not enough salt in the water......."
David could be onto something with his home fancies. And the spag. A lack of salt meant it was quite congealed. Just had a Wispa though. All is well with the world again.
2050: Could Profound Beauty start favourite? Just checked out the latest TAB prices in Australia. Mad Rush currently heads the market at 9-2. Septimus is a weak 11-2 chance and Profound Beauty very strong at 13-2. Nom Du Jeu is the best of the home team at 15-2.
2020: Adam Robinson wants to know the Australian perspective on Mad Rush. The people I have spoken to Adam fear him - his run in the Caulfield Cup had their eyes out on stalks. However over the last 48 hours to a man and woman, the tip has been for Profound Beauty. It's happening over here too - the Dermot Weld factor kicking in. I can still see Septimus outclassing them all but would prefer Mad Rush over Profound Beauty. Mr Cumani now knows exactly what's required for the Cup. Not that Mr Weld doesn't though...
2017: Dennis Bradley asks if Septimus runs. No news yet Dennis. Seems the ground is not considered to be too quick by locals but Aidan O'Brien due to walk track soon and he'll decide then. Apparently Tom Waterhouse was prepared to lay the top weight to lose $2million at 9/2 yesterday. Got to say, I still think he can win.
2015: Francesca Cumani on the front page of the SydneyMorning Herald. She's cracked Australia, something the Brotherhood Of Man never managed.
2010: Francesca Cumani has written a column for The Age. "ANY mention of Mad Rush or Bauer in the media causes convulsions in my stomach" she opens with. Good job she didn't eat my spag bol. I feel light headed and very gaseous. Its a long road to 4am.
2000: Reduced to eating the spag bol topless and on my knee. Spilled a huge blob of meaty goodness onto my left moob. As far as omens go, it doesn't look good for Septimus.
1932: No news from Gav. He has teased me then dumped me. There's a word for men like him.
1910: Gavin Clarke writes to say spag can be lifted from the mundane by the use of herbs and spices. Don't live anywhere near Pontefract do you Gav?
1855: Nearly 6am in Melbourne. Septimus will be up. I'm just knocking together a spag bol for tea. Don't know about you but I always find the spag very dull. Would prefer plain bol.
1830: Latest forecasts suggest two millimetres of rain at Melbourne before racing. Matt, lay into the Carling, we may need if if that's accurate.
1730: Whiskey Matt is almost a man after my own heart. "The fridge is full of carling, mates all piling round later, the excitement is building. 10 and a half hours to post time. What i would like to know Dave is, has there been any overnight rain and if not has the course been watered? No surprises who im on!!! Time to crack open carling number one."
Matt you are an example to others, Philip Burns, but Carling? Hope you have the stamina to make 4am. I'm rooting for you.
As for the weather, any showers are due early doors then a cool 20 degrees! And they say we whinge. Watering taking place. Like you Matt I hope plenty of it. Come on the rain!
1730: Andy asks if it's best to back Mad Rush at British or Australian prices. It's a tough one. With Septimus so weak over here, you won't beat 4/1. Over in Australia he is paying 4/1 right now. I imagine he's going to start around that mark. If you can beat 4s anywhere Andy, take it.
1725: Two hours kip and I wake up to this from Philip Burns.
"Good Day Mate...can't be arsed waiting up for the race, any chance of you texting me the result as I will have my mobile at bedside and it saves me getting up.....who is the Aussie equivilant to James or is there such a person...ps backed the O'Brien outsider at 65's."
Philip, Philip, Philip. Expect vibrations on your bedside table around 4am - and bizarely it seems the aformentioned Carson Kressley is our acid-tongued fashion man for the night. You sleep well. Carson won't. The fashion world never sleeps.
1500: 1am in Melbourne. Septimus will be fast on. I'm going to try and grap a nap otherwise there's no way I'll see it through to the wee small hours. Wonder if I'll dream the winner? Only ever dreamt about racing once and I was riding in the Grand National. Sadly I was topless and the whole crowd were laughing. Self esteem issues was the verdict of those I shared my burden with.
1455: Confirmation from Richard Horner of Sky Bet that Profound Beauty is the best-backed horse of the day with them. She is 7s from 8s. Mad Rush was backed at 14/1 with the same firm ante-post while the early birds took 7/1 about Septimus. Could be that price soon given the drift.
1449: Septimus now a general 9/2 chance in Blighty, huge drift. Profound Beauty is the one for money over here now and is as low as 6/1 with Betfred. Is the old Dermot Weld magic going to work again?
1440: Newsfrom Sky Bet HQ. Richard Horner writes: "The big question for the Sky Bet compilers is sky+ or alarm clock and the sky+ is currently a 1/10 chance . Even an ante-post bet at 16s on Mad Rush isn't enough for the 3.45am alarm clock."
Is that the sort of attitude that put the Great in Britain?
1252: More preview information for you now, with a horse-by-horse guide from our Tony Whitfield.
1250: If you fancy a punt on the big one, check out Man On The Spot and his verdict for Tuesday's spectacular.
1230: Judging by the early emails, it seems as though worries over the ground at Flemington have not gone down well with local race fans. As if we like to whinge...
1210: Septimus drifting like a barge with the British bookmakers. Ground worries. Nom De Jeu and Barbaricus are the ones for money. Don't say the home team are going to repel us?
1145: The Emirates Melbourne Cup Parade took place earlier with Rebecca Madden and Carson Kressley grabbing the headlines. Rebecca is a TV personality, although I can find no record of her work. Carson presents 'Queer Eye For A Straight Guy'.
Imagine Fiona Bruce and Gok Wan driving through Cheltenhan in March and you get the idea.
1125: Apparently Septimus may not be sleeping. It's 2225 in Melbourne. He should be. I had an early night before producing the performance of my life to finish second in the 400 metres at sports day in year three of high school. I was a patent non-stayer. That particular renewal still holds a school record as it's the only time all of the first three home took over one minute to complete the one lap.
1115: Not for the first time in my life I have been a tad premature. Only 16 and a bit hours to post time. Someone has just asked what Septimus will he doing right now. Answer is sleeping.
1100: First things first. I'm not in Melbourne. I was in Australia earlier this year but the 2008 Melbourne Cup will be done from the heart of West Yorkshire. Currently trying to work out when to grab the first nap. I'm at work but can go home at any time to prepare. News from the other side of the world, and Aidan O'Brien will walk the track before deciding whether Septimus will run.
Dermot Weld may be having a bad hair day in our picture of him but his Profound Beauty is all the rage in Australia and was backed to win AUS$2million today alone.
Sadly Yellowstone misses the race but you can check out the full racecard.
So there you go!
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook
