It’s Melbourne Cup Day, with Alan Jones broadcasting from Flemington Racecourse.

He’s speaking with all of the key figures ahead of ‘the race that stops the nation’.

Get all the tips and advice from owners, trainers, jockeys and race callers.

Trainer Chris Waller

Champion trainer Chris Waller has won everything Australian racing has to offer… except for the Melbourne Cup.

His most famous horse was the wonder mare Winx but now she’s retired, his sights are firmly set on ‘the race that stops the nation’.

Waller has two runners in this year’s Cup – Finche and Youngstar – but knows it’s not going to be easy.

“We’ve got a great chance because, simply, we’re in the race,” he tells Alan Jones.

Tip – Finche

Owner Lloyd Williams

Legendary racehorse owner Lloyd Williams knows a thing or two about the Cup, having won it six times.

He has three runners in this year’s race – Master of Reality, Latrobe and Twilight Payment – and tells Alan Jones conditions are perfect for them.

Williams believes Latrobe is his best chance and rates six others in with a shot – Prince of Arran, Southern France, Surprise Baby, Raymond Tusk, Magic Wand and Cross Counter.

“It’s a difficult race, it really is a difficult race this year,” says Williams.

Tip – Latrobe

Race caller Matt Hill

Today Matt Hill will broadcast his third Melbourne Cup, to an estimated 70 million people around the world.

But it’s not just the big race at 3pm (AEDST) that’s on his mind. He has to memorise all 163 horses that are running in 10 races across the day.

The 36-year-old tells Alan Jones, “it’s a great thrill and a privilege to do it”.

“I’m not nervous at all at the moment but probably about 30 minutes before the Cup.”

Tip – Constantinople 

Trainer David Hayes

It’s been a long time between drinks for 1994 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer David Hayes.

But he tells Alan Jones this year is his best chance for repeat Cup glory, with one of his three runners.

“This is my best chance since I’ve been back from Hong Kong.”

Tip – Constantinople 

Owner & Broadcaster Alan Jones

Alan Jones is hoping a local horse can win Australia’s most famous race, with Finche and Youngstar his picks.

Outside of them, Alan believes a handful of horses could be first past the post.

His main tips are Southern France, Raymond Tusk, Magic Wand and Il Paradiso.

Tip – Finche/Youngstar

Image: Getty/Darrian Traynor