Bart — Cummings that is — has three acceptors in the horse race of the year that carries millions of dollars, the first past the post alone getting $3.3 million.

Racing experts are predicted his three runners (Viewed, Roman Emperor and Allez Wonder) will attracts bets totalling around $60 million nationally.

However, ever since the “interlopers” (overseas entries, that is) came onto the scene, they have also attracted plenty of interest, one of the most popular recent overseas winners being Media Puzzle in 2002, the year before Makybe Diva started her historic run of winning three consecutive Cups.

It is at this time of year that the little punter joins the professional in attempting to predict who will win one of the most, if not THE most, famous horse race in the world.

There are just as many methods of trying to find the winner as there are race meetings in Australia in a year.

Some make the choice on the horse’s colour (with greys being particularly popular), while others choose a combination of birthdays.

This morning offices, hotels, banks and a myriad of race courses around the nation will begin their preparations in earnest for the big race.

So, whatever your choice today, the best of luck as you head off to the TAB to make your choice.