Premier Australian trainer Bart Cummings yesterday nominated 12 of his stable stars for the 2010 Melbourne Cup as he vies for a baker’s dozen of Cup wins this Spring Racing Carnival.

Having won a record 12 Melbourne Cups throughout his time, most recently with Viewed in 2008, Cummings is attempting his 13^th Melbourne Cup victory on Tuesday November 2.

Every year smart punters keep a close eye on the odds of Cummings’ Melbourne Cup contenders in the [sportsbet] markets.

This year is no different as a number of the Cups King’s entries are already early favourites to become the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner.

Leading the Cummings’ contingent are an impressive trio of classy four-year-olds consisting of last year’s Crown Oaks winner Faint Perfume, reigning Cox Plate champion So You Think, and recent Queensland Derby victor Dariana.

Shamardal mare Faint Perfume opened as the odds-on favourite in the pre-nomination Melbourne Cup betting markets at SportingBet and is likely to see plenty of money come in for her leading up to the 150^th running of the time-honoured Cup.

So You Think is also looking like a top bet for the Melbourne Cup this year, the son of High Chaparrel preparing for his first-up run since finishing second to All American in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) on the final day of the Cup Carnival last year.

Redoute’s Choice mare Dariana is an improving and consistent stayer having proved herself over 2400m earlier in the year and will only get better throughout the season.

The other notable Melbourne Cup nominees prepared by Cummings are highly rated performers Empires Choice, Moatize, Precedence and Sirmione.

And then there are his lesser-known hopefuls with Brightnight, Joe Blow, Landlord, Star Ripper and Zabdued all facing a tough test to make the 24-horse Melbourne Cup final field for 2010.

A remarkable 253 horses, 22 more than last year, were nominated for the $6 million Melbourne Cup, yesterday when entries closed at midday.

View the complete list of 2010 Melbourne Cup nominations, which also includes 45 quality international entries.

With the [sportsbet] Melbourne Cup ante-post markets expected to open tomorrow, Races.com.au is the place to come to check out the latest news, previews, form guide and betting tips for the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

Don’t wait until November to get in on the action, sign up at leading online bookmaker [sportsbet] today and enjoy a free $100 bet to get you on your way!