2009 Melbourne Cup Betting

Nearly 4 months to go until the race that stops Australia, the Melbourne Cup. But early bird punters are already placing their online bets with Betfair, where Profound Beauty is the current Melbourne Cup favourite at 14.5 (13.5/1). The 2007 Cup victor, Efficient, is currently trading at 45/1, just behind rebel Raider (23/1) and Cest La Guerre (31/1).

As ever, the home team will face a stern test from overseas raiders, predictably, headed by a Luca Cumani charge. Cumani will saddle last year's runner up, Bauer, who may join the other UK raiders (Mad Rush, Buccellati and Judgethemoment) in this year's Novemember renewal at Flemington racetrack.

With a fair way to go until post time, fixed odds online bookmakers are understandably wary of pricing up the ante-post market. Watch this space for the best odds when they are released!