The year’s Melbourne Cup field looks strong, and we should be in for a thrilling race.

The winner of the previous Cup race, Smile and Wave, is still odds on favourite, although Drunken Sailor has been getting a lot of punter attention in the last few hours.

Another horse, Liar Liar Pants on Fire, is a good bet. Trained up by the renowned Crosby Textor, this mare will go the distance and is expected to finish strongly.

Bash the Poor is also in the running, and has been getting a lot of late money.

Epsom’s Joke was yesterday withdrawn from the race after pulling up lame, and was this morning put down by veterinary staff. It is a sad end to the former star, but racing commentators had been saying for some time that the old horse was past its prime.

And there is still doubt about whether Peters’ Folly will line up or be scratched from the big race.

Update: Punters have been deserting Dunne Nothing, and a lot of the late money is now going into Green Dream. They could end up disappointed, because Green Dream has a habit of bolting out at the start but finishing badly. Will this year be different?