Supposedly we're all about rugby, racing and beer.

Well we've done the rugby, and today's all about racing - you can suit yourself about the beer.

It's Melbourne Cup day ,and the TAB's Mark Stafford says they're tracking much the same as last year in terms of bets on this side of the ditch.

He said for some reason, New Zealanders love the day as much as Australians do.

"The Melbourne Cup just attracts New Zealanders in their droves, it's a great pageant, great carnival, great coverage comes out of Australia."

He said "everyone seems to find a horse they like and have a bet and just get involved in the day."

Stafford said there are also three New Zealand jockeys involved in the race, "along with a couple of New Zealand trainers."

Foreign raiders are again expected to dominate.

The last Australian bred horse to win the great race was Shocking in 2009.

There are 11 overseas entries with Japanese stayer Fame Game the Cup favourite ahead of the horse it beat in the Caulfield Cup, Trip to Paris.

The English runner's trainer Ed Dunlop is feeling confident.

He said thankfully a lot of attention has gone on Fame Game but they know Trip to Paris will be better over the longer two mile distance.

Who Shot Thebarman and Criterion are the two Kiwi owned horses in the race.

Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport will have live coverage of the Melbourne Cup from 5.00pm