Racing: Excitement builds at Melbourne Cup

Entertainers perform for the crowd during the 2011 Melbourne Cup Parade. Photo / Getty Images

The crowd and excitement are building at Flemington ahead of the running of the 151st Melbourne Cup.

More than 100,000 people are expected at Flemington to watch the great race this afternoon.

Eager racegoers arrived early, grabbing prime position beside the final straight.

Michelle Wright of Melbourne has been coming to the Cup for 10 years and picked a spot right beside the finishing post.

"It's just fun,'' Ms Wright said of the Cup day experience.

"We put all our bets on yesterday so we don't have to line up.''

Her friend Louise Rowson jumped on a bus from Adelaide when her Qantas flight was cancelled to get to her first Cup.

Ladies with hats and fascinators are streaming into the course, many carrying Eskies for the long day ahead or already heading to the bar.

Americain is the favourite and will attempt to win back to back Cups.

- AAP