We are three races into one of the biggest racing days of the year, and Flemington is holding up beautifully so far.
Monday saw true, Melbourne wet weather as Flemington copped at least 34mm of rain within the last 24 hours.
As any track does, and especially a weather-affected track, there have been some clear trends coming out of the first four races.
These trends may become very important come Melbourne Cup time.
MORE:Melbourne Cup betting preview 2025: Tips, odds, form guide and analysis for Flemington
AllSportsPeople has all the Flemington track information below:
What track rating is Flemington currently?
Flemington has just been upgraded from a Soft 6 to a Soft 5 after the conclusion of race three.
Rain is still expected to come later this afternoon, but it is unlikely the track will downgrade much further than the Soft 5-6 mark.
What racing patterns has Flemington shown so far?
Race one
A straight sprint over 1000m is not a true indication of the track, and shouldn't be used as a form guide for the Melbourne Cup.
Regardless, the early leaders did struggle.
The first three out the gates all tapered off, with only Luna Vega, who led for the majority, hanging on for third place.
Race two
This BM80 over 2000m is our first true Cup guide, and it made for interesting viewing.
Across the 1000-1400m mark, the field stretched out, with the leaders setting an early quick tempo that ultimately cost them.
As we hit the final 400m mark, all the leaders became weary, and the midfield to off-midfield horses started to dominate.
Party Crasher, ridden by Mark Zahra from barrier 14, swooped late from the middle of the pack and on the middle of the track, showing impressive late speed to win well.
Race three
Another Cup form guide over 1800m, the eventual winner—Different Gravy, again ridden by Zahra from barrier 15—sat three wide, second last for the entirety of the race.
By the 300m mark, Different Gravy was the widest of all horses and flew home late for an gutsy, come from behind swooping win.
Again, this showcased that there is speed late, and the wider parts of the track may be the fastest parts.
Race four
Again, a quick straight sprint over 1000m showed two early leaders who put a gap on the field.
Cavalry Girl who led and set the speed, sat close to the fence.
But yet again, it was the off-pace horses that found ground late, as Pallaton, ridden by James McDonald, saluted with ease coming from the middle of the pack.