It looks like it will be a wet start to the day at Flemington and we are expecting a rush of celebrities, sports stars, politicians and business leaders headed for the cover of the marquees in the Birdcage.
Leading the charge is former Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne marking 10 years since she claimed victory in the big race.
Celebrities expected to brave the downpours include Golden Bachelor host Sam Armytage and star Bear Myrden as well as Dessert Masters host Melissa Leong.
Pies star Isaac Quaynor will be among the sporting celebs int he Birdcage today.Credit: Eddie Jim
Sports stars on the guest lists for the exclusive enclosure include tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis, former Olympic ice skater Steven Bradbury, rugby great John Eales, former NFL star Earl Thomas III and AFL footballers Isaac Quaynor, Tom Hawkins, Nathan Brown and Luke Hodge.
Federal politicians will be notably absent from Flemington today as parliament is sitting, but state politicians are expected to be out in force and Birdcage regular and former foreign minister Julie Bishop will hold the fort at the Lexus marquee.
From the business world we are expecting Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan, real estate mogul Marty Fox and Myer executive chair Olivia Wirth.
Billionaire “Lambo guy” Adrian Portelli is on the guest list again, but after he was a no show on Derby Day we will wait to see if he turns up for the Cup.