A 2021 Melbourne Cup field with fewer international competitors than usual has racing figures hopeful the race will stop even more of the nation.

Champion horse trainer and commentator Richard Freedman argued Australians are more likely to regain interest in the Cup as a result of the “potential” in the field.

Over the next few years, he told Jim Wilson, the nation will increasingly enjoy a race “which is intrinsically ours”.

“The rags to riches story is what we’re looking for, and what we always had.

“Unfortunately, over the last decade they were just turning to ‘the rich get richer’ story.

“I just don’t think it played well with Australians.”

Press PLAY below to hear Richard Freedman’s Melbourne Cup tips

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