Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent ahead of the 2023 Melbourne Cup - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The race that stops two nations kicks off in about half in hour.

About 80,000 punters will be track side at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, with 23 horses ready to hit the ground running.

Australian correspondent Donna Demaio says the party's already started.

"Post-pandemic, it really feels like the Melbourne Cup has got its buzz back."

Newstalk ZB will cross live to the race when it begins.

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