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Looking for the winner of the Melbourne Cup? You’d better consider these facts:

1. In 150 years of the Cup only two eight-year-olds have been successful. This year there are four runners from that age: Americain, Winchester, Voila Ici and Niwot. And 9yo, Unusual Suspect.

2. Only three favourites have been successful in the past 20 years. Makybe Diva started favourite in her second and third wins.

3. Eleven horses have won the Caulfield - Melbourne Cup double in the same year. Dunaden is trying to join them.

4. Bart Cummings has won the Cup a stunning 12 times. This year he has Precedence and Sanagas.

5. Of the Jockeys in this year's Cup, Damien Oliver (Americain), Jim Cassidy (Maluckyday) and Glen Boss (Kelinni) are the only mulitple-cup winners.

6. In the past 30 years only one horse has carried more than 56kg to victory. That was Makybe Diva (58kg) in 2005. Dunaden (59kg) and Americain (58kg) can create history.

7. No horse has jumped from barrier 18 and won. Unless there is a scratching Red Cadeaux is in the firing line.

8. Sixteen mares have won the Cup. That includes Makybe Diva's treble. Lights of Heaven is the only female runner this year.

9. Only Six Grey horses have won the Melbourne Cup including Efficient in 2007 and Subzero in 1992. Two Grey horses look to take this record to seven, Voila Ici and Tac De Boistron.

10. Sheila Laxon (Ethereal in 2001) is the only successful female trainer. Gai Waterhouse has two representatives with Glencadam Gold and Fiorente.

Get to know your horses with the insider’s guide to the Melbourne Cup field click here .