After a tumultuous year in Victoria in 2020, things look like they could be back to normal by the time this year's Spring Carnival rolls around.
And that means that hopefully, unlike last year, there will be fans in attendance for the Melbourne Cup.
Last year, Twilight Payment took out the 'race that stops the nation'
WHEN IS THE 2021 MELBOURNE CUP?
This year's Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday 2nd November.
The Melbourne Cup has been held on the first Tuesday of November every year since 1875 (except for during the Second World War, when it was run on Saturdays).
Between the first running in 1861 and the change in 1875, the Melbourne Cup was run on a Thursday.
WHAT TIME IS THE 2021 MELBOURNE CUP?
The Melbourne Cup will be run at 3pm - the same as every other year.
HOW TO WATCH THE 2021 MELBOURNE CUP?
The last two years, Channel 10 have broadcast the Melbourne Cup and will do so again in 2021.
Channel 7 - which had broadcast the race for a number of years - will still broadcast Victorian race meets during 2020 and 2021, except the Melbourne Cup carnival.
10 Network will broadcast all major racedays across the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on October 31.
They'll also air the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday, 5 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday, 7 November.
WHERE IS THE MELBOURNE CUP HELD?
The Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecourse, which is about 6km northwest of Melbourne's CBD.
Flemington opened in 1840 and now features a six furlong or 1200m straight, known as 'the Straight Six'. Its home straight is 450m long and races are run anti-clockwise.
HOW MANY HORSES ARE IN THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Each year, there are plenty of horses that are nominated for the big race.
But ultimately, only 24 horses will take on the Flemington track in 'the race that stops the nation'.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP?
The prizemoney for the Melbourne Cup was $8 million, and there has been no indication of that changing for 2021.
For the full breakdown of the prize money, click here.
WHAT CONDITIONS IS THE MELBOURNE CUP RUN UNDER
The Melbourne Cup is 3,200 metres.
It is a handicapped race for horses aged 3 years and above, with the minimum handicap weight set at 50kg.
MELBOURNE CUP 2021 BETTING ODDS
While the field is nowhere near being set, punters can still bet on the All-in market.
Incentivise ($11) is the early favourite, with last year's winner Twilight Payment at $41.
Odds courtesy of Sportsbet as of 12th August.
| HORSE | ODDS |
| Incentivise | $11 |
| Realm Of Flowers | $13 |
| Dawn Patrol | $15 |
| Amade | $17 |
| Cormorant | $21 |
| Pondus | $21 |
| Prince Of Arran | $21 |
| Sonnyboyliston | $21 |
| Gold Trip | $23 |
| Other runners | $26+ |