The countdown is well and truly on until Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) this afternoon when the Melbourne Cup 2014 trifecta will be run and won.

Lucia Valentina is a must-include in all 2014 Melbourne Cup Trifecta bets this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart.

Having a punt on the $6.2 million Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) is an Aussie tradition and which of the stayers will be the first three horses over the line in the Melbourne Cup finishing order is always a hot debate.

This year the best in Melbourne Cup betting is the 58.5kg top weight Admire Rakti, the seven-year-old Japanese raider having debuted down under with a win in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

The last horse to complete the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double was Ethereal (2011) and now the markets at Ladbrokes.com.au are paying $6 for this Heart’s Cry seven-year-old to be the next.

He’s followed at single figure quotes in the Melbourne Cup odds by four other runners including the Kris Lees-trained Savabeel mare Lucia Valentina ($7) and the big market mover Mutual Regard ($9.50).

The Johnny Murtagh-trained Mutual Regard jumps from barrier 11 with one of the race’s most successful modern-day jockeys Damien Oliver, who rode Fioretne to victory last year, in the saddle.

The European is also looking to become the third Irish trained galloper to win the Melbourne Cup following the Dermot K Weld-trained duo of Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002).

With a host of livewire chances in the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’ below we take a look at the Races.com.au predicted Melbourne Cup trifecta 2014.

Races.com.au Melbourne Cup 2014 Trifecta Tip

#5 Protectionist ($8) – Has been the horse on our minds for a long time, before his Australian debut even, after this German galloper won France’s Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) which back-to-back Melbourne Cup winners Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) came via. Herbert Power fourth in his first run down under was a cracker and will be better suited to Flemington and the extra distance today.

#22 Lucia Valentina ($7) – She’s firming in the markets to become the first female Melbourne Cup winner since Makybe Diva (2005) and with good reason. The lead-up form, including a last start third in the Caulfield Cup, is cracking. Her barrier two draw will suit, Kerrin McEvoy stays on and with 53kg cannot be overlooked as an Each Way chance.

#12 Who Shot Thebarman ($21) – Adding value to the winning Melbourne Cup trifecta this Auckland Cup winner over the two miles is proven at the distance and undefeated at Flemington. Won The Bart Cummings two back but the unplaced run next time out in the Caulfield Cup can be forgiven. Will like getting back to his pet Melbourne track and could even surprise with Chris Waller’s first win in this iconic race.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our Melbourne Cup trifecta 2014 tips make sure you get the right price on this afternoon’s major by betting online at Ladbrokes.com.au where the Megafecta gives you the chance to turn $1 into $10 million!