The Spring racing carnival in Melbourne is an exciting time. People attend the race meetings at Caulfield and Flemington, and dozens of country cups around Victoria in their hundreds of thousands.

This excitement spreads across Australia, and even those who won't watch a single horse race at any other time of year will be caught up in the anticipation of the Melbourne Cup.

So what makes the spring carnival so special? The Newsport's own resident tipster, Scott "Surebet" Ewert, gives his take on things.

"It's the gathering of the best horses and trainers in the country and even more so this year as we've got the best calibre of international horses in the history of the spring carnival."

"These horses have come to compete in the biggest races including the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Derby, Oaks, and the Melbourne Cup.

"That's $17 million dollars in prize money alone in just the four days of the Flemington Cup week.

"The Melbourne Cup is the richest race in the world and one of the oldest. Cup week has been marketed that well it has become the envy of the world's racing community.

"It's just not the racing but the glitz and glamour of the social occasion it holds."

So who are the movers and shakers who punters will follow throughout the carnival?

"The trainers to keep an eye on are Mark Kavanagh, Mick Price, Leon Mcdonald, Peter Moody, Rob Hickmott, and Luca Camani. Jockeys to look out for are Damien Oliver, G Mosse, Craig Williams, Michael Rodd, Luke Nolen, Corey Brown, Hugh Bowman, Steven Arnold, Kerryn Mcevoy, and Nas Rawiller," Surebet says.

WATCH THE REACTION OF THE CROWD IN THE THRILLING FINISH OF 2010 (top left)

But as always it's the Melbourne Cup which is attracting the most interest here in Port Douglas.

Restaurants and pubs such as Bistro 3, the Combined Club, Barrier Reef Tavern, and Mossman Bowls Club will all be hosting events sure to attract a crowd, and the carnival atmosphere.

If you're looking to have a flutter on the multi-million dollar race, Surebet says history may repeat if form is anything to go by.

"Americain, last year's winner, looks to be going as good or if not better than lasy year and his main opposition may be another French horse in Jukebox Jury.

"Last week's Geelong Cup winner, Dunedin, who is also a international raider is another chance."

So whatever you're doing for racing's biggest day, have fun, and make sure you've got enough cash left in your pocket to catch the bus or taxi home. 

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