Murrumbidgee Turf Club chief executive Scott Sanbrook aid he was backing United Kingdom-based Marmelo for a win during Tuesday’s ‘race that stops a nation’.

“I’d have to put Marmelo on top. He is an extremely consistent horse at the top level in Europe,” he said.

“He was very well fancied in the Melbourne Cup last year and by all reports he is a better horse this year.”

Mr Sanbrook backed Yucatan and Avilius for places.

Wagga bookmaker John Patton backed a horse trained in Ireland for the $4 million prize among a tough field to call.

“Yucatan for one, Best Solution for second and Ventura Storm for third,” Mr Patton said.

“I reckon it’s the toughest race of the year and I’m just like everyone else: a mug punter.

“The international jockeys on my picks are pretty confident in their chances.”