The ‘race that stops a nation’ runs this afternoon as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) and below Races.com.au have our exclusive Melbourne Cup Trifecta Tip 2016.

2016 Melbourne Cup market mover Almandin shapes up as a top three chance in Flemington Race 7 this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

There are 24 Melbourne Cup horses in the $6.2 million two mile classic making it a tough job for punters to sort through the genuine contenders for the ‘Loving Trophy’ from the pretenders that will finish out of the money.

Melbourne Cup betting at Ladbrokes.com.au has Hartnell ($6) easing to win for John O’Shea and the Godolphin stable, followed by the horse he beat home by three lengths in the Turnbull Stakes Jameka ($8.50).

There’s been plenty of upset Melbourne Cup results in recent history – most notably Viewed ($41 in 2008) and Prince Of Penzance ($101 in 2015) who became the fourth Melbourne Cup winner to salute at triple figures.

Not only is there the 2016 Melbourne Cup Form Guide to consider when placing your bets on the world’s richest handicap, there’s also all the Melbourne Cup Facts & Statistics including the fact no horse has won the race from barrier 18.

But don’t fear, Races.com.au have done the hard work for you and have the top three horses in the Melbourne Cup field to lock into the Melbourne Cup Trifecta at Ladbrokes.com.au this afternoon!

The Melbourne Cup Winner:

#1 Big Orange ($13)

Fifth placegetter last year looking to go better and he’s travelling better. Has been in the Melbourne Cup pressure cooker and will have benefited from the experience. Still well-weighted every carrying 57kg (top weight). Gets right into the race from the barrier (7) and will be kept for the finish. Two miles is his preferred and the price is attractive.

The Melbourne Cup Placegetters:

#6 Hartnell ($6)

Plenty of claims for the favourite and he’s easing in the markets making him more attractive for the win. Seems the punters are shying away from the Cox Plate runner-up, and with 23 rivals it’s hard to say he’s a sure thing because he’s not. He’s a good thing though, has class, is rock hard fit, firing at peak career form and will take some beating if James McDonald can get him to settle early and save his energy for that testing final straight.

#17 Almandin ($10)

Happy to follow the money trail on this Lloyd Williams-owned seven-year-old who has just his 12^th career run in the Melbourne Cup today. Building up for this and gets into Group 1 company and the 3200m for the first time. Historical form around him isn’t great, but this is the race he has been set for. Massive advantage weight-wise on the low kilos and Kerrin McEvoy booking suggests the team rate him highly.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our 2016 Melbourne Cup Trifecta Betting Tips make sure you lock in your selections on the big one this afternoon online at the right price through Ladbrokes.com.au with Odds Boost available on the field.