The second race at Flemington’s Victoria Derby Day today is one of the most anticipated showdowns leading up to Tuesday’s 2010 Melbourne Cup, the $250,000 Group 3 The Lexus Stakes (2500m) due to jump at 11:50pm (AEDST).

The 2010 The Lexus Stakes field features 14 determined runners, many seeking the Melbourne Cup ballot exemption that comes with a win in Race 2 at Flemington today.

A top class field with everything to run for, this will be a super showdown and the equal favourites to win paying $4.80 at Luxbet are Linton and Moudre.

But with rain about and a wide-open field with four other runners currently at single-figure odds, we here at Races.com.au are tipping an upset and rate last year’s beaten Melbourne Cup favourite Alcopop to win The Lexus Stakes today.

Flemington – Race 2 – The Lexus Stakes

• Races.com.au Favourite: #1 Alcopop – Rated Special to Win at $9 Luxbet
• Best Place Bets: #5 Linton, #8 Moudre and #2 Herculian Prince – Luxbet
• Upset in the Wet: #9 Purple – $7 Luxbet

Alcopop has drawn wider with barrier 10, but in the heavy conditions this could prove an advantage.

Despite a poor run in the Caulfield Cup, before that in the Yalumba Stakes Alcopop was impressive running down Whobegotyou to finish second to So You Think.

Beat Shocking on a Slow track last year and can win this at juicy odds today, sneaking into the Melbourne Cup field, with a bit of luck.

We cannot go past the favourites to Place, Lloyd Williams’ tough young grey Linton is in-form coming off their Herbert Power Stakes win and set to improve.

There is also lots to like about Moudre, always up there in the end and came from well back to finish fourth in the Herbert Power last start. If they get a clear run and don’t get stuck on the inside will be in the money.

Gai Waterhouse’s Herculian Prince also cannot be dismissed here. The Group 1 winner was brilliant in their The Metropolitan win, but the heavy track may be a concern.

If conditions worsen today and the track is very heavy, Purple is the winner.

Known wet-tracking mare trained by Peter Snowden, lots to like and was a strong second to Ginga Dude over 2000m on rain-affected ground at Caulfield last start.

For the full The Lexus Stakes markets and to get behind possibly the next Melbourne Cup winner here, head to Luxbet now!