Melbourne Cup 2017: TV info, expert picks and how to bet

The 2017 Melbourne Cup — known as “the race that stops a nation" — goes off just past 11 p.m. ET Monday and will for the first time be available on national TV in the United States via Fox Sports 1.

A 2-mile test at Flemington Racecourse, it’s the world’s richest race, worth $6.2 million in Australian, and features a field of 24 set to go on the turf. FS1's two-hour coverage starts at 9:30 p.m. ET leading up to the race at 11 p.m.

Even the most casual fan might recognize one name in the field — Humidor — as he nearly ran down Winx in last month’s Group 1 Cox Plate, the mare’s 22nd straight victory. While Winx won’t appear in the Melbourne Cup, interest is likewise high as always for this event.

Betting is available in the U.S. through advanced deposit wagering services. TVG offers FREE past performances (Race 7A) and a special deal to double your first deposit to get up to $100 free!

And we’d be remiss if we didn’t also offer an expert’s take on the race.

Anthony Robb is a successful handicapper and DerbyWars contest veteran who has qualified for the NHC and BCBC. An native Australian, Robb has been picking the Melbourne Cup for more than 30 years, selecting his first winner, Black Knight, at age 9.

Robb's advice: Bet horses carrying less weight, as that plays a part given the race length, and note that the winning horse is rarely young than 4 or older than 7. His picks:

1st: 18. NAKEETA (barrier 19, 31-1)

2nd: 20. WALL OF FIRE (barrier 15, 13-1)

3rd: 21. THOMAS HOBSON (barrier 21, 15-1) 

At the bottom is a full chart history of the Melbourne Cup since 1983, including post, weight and age/sex of the winner.

Below, also see Racing.com’s full video guide to the Melbourne Cup field:

Melbourne Cup History since 1983