Melbourne Cup 2012: Dates, Race Schedule, Preview and More

The 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup race is a part of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival. This year, the Carnival comprises four different events. This magnificent week of racing will include: AAMI Victoria Derby Day (Sat., Nov. 3); Emirates Melbourne Cup Day (Tues., Nov. 6); Crown Oaks Day (Thurs., Nov. 8) and Emirates Stakes Day (Sat., Nov. 10).

It’s being held at Australian’s International Racecourse, Flemington. The course has been used to host this particular race for the last 152 years, since the races’ inception in 1861.

Dubbed “The Race that Stops a Nation,” this $6.2 million race is the show-stealer of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The signature event, a 1.7 mile race, is the most prestigious and said to be the richest prize in all of Australian sport according to the race website.

Fashion statements are made on this day, giving Australians a similar cultural event to that the Kentucky Derby in America.

Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia

When: Tuesday, Nov. 6 (Monday, Nov. 5 in U.S.)

Gates Open: 8:30 a.m. Local time (4:30 p.m. ET)

Live Stream: Race Website Webcam (Also lists other options for streaming)

First Race: 10:20 a.m. Local time (6:20 p.m. ET)

Emirates Melbourne Cup Race: 3 p.m. Local time (11 p.m. ET)

Last Race: 5:15 p.m. Local time (1:15 a.m. ET)

Race Order, Times and Info.

Race	Start Time	Prize	Distance
7News Plate	10:20 a.m.	$121,500	3,280 ft.
TAB Trophy	11:00 a.m.	$101,500	5,577 ft.
Lavazza Long Black	11:45 a.m.	$101,500	9,186 ft.
Herald Sun Stakes	12:30 p.m.	$201,500	4,593 ft.
Schweppes Tonic 1000	1:15 p.m.	$101,500	3,280 ft.
Lexus Hybrid Plate	2:00 p.m.	$151,500	4,593 ft.
Emirates Melbourne Cup	3:00 p.m.	$6,200,000	10,498 ft.
Diamond Jubilee Plate	3:55 p.m.	$151,500	5,905 ft.
MSS Security Sprint	4:35 p.m.	$151,500	3,937 ft.
Headquarters Tavern Plate	5:15 p.m.	$101,500	4,593 ft.

What to Watch For:

• Dunaden, trained by Mikel Delzangles, won the race last year. The last to win the race in back-to-back fashion was Makybe Diva in three consecutive years from 2003 to 2005.
• Americain, the horse that won the Melbourne Cup in 2010, also finished in in fourth place in 2011.

 

Prediction: Americain wins, Dunaden fails to place

Americain simply has longer sustained success and a great track record at Flemington. Dunaden may be the heavy favorite after winning last year, but Americain was right on his heels. He'll use that experience to notch another big win this year.