Weather chaos could hit the Melbourne Cup as THUNDERSTORM is forecast – here’s what it could mean for punters

For the millions of Australians planning to bet on the Melbourne Cup this year, it would be worth keeping an eye on both the sky and the form guide.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the threat of an afternoon thunderstorm at Flemington Racecourse, when 100,000 punters are expected to turn out for the biggest race of the year.

Victoria Race Club Senior Track Manager Liam O’Keeffe said there is a ‘moderate chance of showers’, most likely in the afternoon and evening, with a chance of thunder.

“There is a chance of a storm Tuesday afternoon,” O’Keeffe said.

“Right now it’s a long shot, so that’s something to keep an eye on as the next few days go by.

Reigning Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip is doing very well on a soft track

‘It’s not expected to happen until mid-afternoon, so we’ll keep an eye on it over the next 48 hours and if we need to adjust our plans we will.

‘It could also be that if it does happen, it might not happen until after the Cup has been held.’

Meteorologist Dean Narramore said the showers were likely to arrive in the afternoon and would also bring wind, so attendees should bring a jacket.

‘Those heading to Flemington Racecourse should prepare for windy conditions, with winds expected to be north to north-easterly at 20 to 30 km/h, and 15 to 20 km/h north-easterly in the evening ‘, he said.

“Overall, Victoria will be warm to hot and partly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms across all but the far west of the state, mainly in the afternoon and evening.”

The possibility of wild weather will do more than interrupt the gown and hat plans of female racegoers.

Gold Trip, the defending champion and a real top competitor, showed last year what he can do on a softer track. He is at his best in the rain and his owners believe he has never looked better.

Irish galloper Vauban, who has the best credentials in the race on paper, has won in the rain before and is heavily backed to win the race for good reason.

Irish galloper Vauban is the favorite to win on Tuesday and has also won on wet surfaces before

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori gave his opinion on Tuesday on the two horses he believes have the best chances of winning the Melbourne Cup given the weather forecast.

“If the ground stays dry, Absurd, but if we get the thunderstorms they’re expecting, last year’s Gold Trip winner,” he told Nine’s TODAY Show.