KEY POINTS:
Australian corporate bookmakers are offering an array of exotic bets on the Melbourne Cup, ranging from the first local horse across the line to what time it will take to run the race.
Luxbet has embraced Nom Du Jeu as the first "Anzac" home despite New Zealand trainer Murray Baker's assertions he cannot entertain being bracketed with Australia.
Nom Du Jeu is at A$3.30 to be the first of the Australasian runners to finish.
Australasia is a A$2.10 outsider in a contest against the Rest of the World (A$1.68).
Sportingbet Australia has framed a Race Against The Clock market, pitting this year's winner against past greats, offering A$2.15 for the winner to beat Might And Power's 1997 time of 3:18.30 and A$1.85 to beat Makybe Diva's 2005 time of 3:19.10.
The betting firm has also posted markets on winning margins, winning saddlecloths and winning barriers.
All agencies have reported a groundswell of money for Profound Beauty to give Irish trainer Dermot Weld his third cup victory.
- AAP
