It's a race that stops the nation and a spectacle that shuts down a city, the Melbourne Cup Parade displaying the legends of racing past, and legends in the making.
Caulfield Cup winning trainer Ciaron Maher is hoping to take home the coveted title in just his second attempt.
"It would mean a lot. I mean it's the big daddy, the main race and you have to dare to dream a little bit," he said.
Thousands of punters, fans and tourists in town for the Cup Carnival lined the streets of Melbourne, as the procession paid tribute to the race's past winner and those competing for the 2016 Cup.
Short priced favorite Hartnell leading a troop of five horses for the Godolphin racing operation, as the stable continues to chase racing's holy grail.
Hartnell jockey James McDonald insists he's not feeling the pressure: "It's a great race to be a part of as it is every year, but to go in with a great chance like Hartnell is a real buzz," he said.
Japan's sole entry Curren Mirotic is one of the oldest at nine, and would set a record as the first horse of that age to win the Cup.
But trainer Osamu Hirata said he's not concerned: "It's no problem he is older," he said. "He is still very very strong."
"I don't feel any pressure or anything like that about Michelle winning it last year but hopefully I can follow in her footsteps." - Katelyn Mallyon
A motto shared by this year's only female jockey Katelyn Mallyon riding Assign, one of owner Lloyd Williams' quartet of Cup runners this year.
Mallyon will be attempting to back up Michelle Payne's history making victory last year, but she said she's focusing on her own performance.
"I don't feel any pressure or anything like that about Michelle winning it last year but hopefully I can follow in her footsteps."
Payne is without a ride in this year's Cup, as she continues to recover from a serious injury earlier in the year.
Meanwhile Lexus winner Oceanographer is sparking superstition after drawing the most winning barrier-number 11.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said it's hype he's willing to follow at this stage.
I'm a big believer at the moment, but yeah the horse is in great nick, and jockey Chad Schofield's in good order so it'll be a good combination."
"There's a horse called Pentathlon, so how weird is that! I'm definitely putting my money on that horse it's definitely a sign." - Olympic Gold Medalist Chloe Esposito
Olympic gold medalist Chloe Esposito also believes in fate, after she was presented with a coincidence in the form guide she couldn't ignore.
"There's a horse called Pentathlon, so how weird is that! I'm definitely putting my money on that horse it's definitely a sign," she said.
But for some the horses are just a small component of what's fast becoming a major date on the international social calendar.
Flemington is expecting to welcome 100,000 racegoers on Cup Day, with thousands of overseas tourists among them.
A contingent of at least 7000 Chinese punters are expected as a result of a marketing campaign throughout the year, touting the Cup as a fashion and entertainment event as gambling in China is officially illegal.
The race will be broadcast live into the country for the first time by Chinese online media giant Sina Weibo.
