VRC cap crowd numbers for Derby Day and Melbourne Cup

MELBOURNE Cup Carnival officials say they're willing to turn away racegoers to protect the sanctity of the Flemington experience.

Crowd numbers capped for race days

CROWD numbers will be capped at the biggest two days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with officials willing to turn away racegoers to protect the sanctity of the Flemington experience.

Attendance at this Saturday's Derby Day and Tuesday's Melbourne Cup meeting will be restricted to less than 110,000 people regardless of demand for tickets.

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A quality field, dry weather, and a top temperature of 26C point towards a big crowd on Saturday.

But Victorian Racing Club chief David Courtney said a ``great experience'' was preferred to profits after a record crowd of 129,089 cramped course style in 2006.

``There have been one or two occasions in years gone by when crowds were a little large and that doesn't deliver a fun experience,'' he said.

Crowd numbers capped for race days

``That is why we prefer to pre-sell tickets and this year we will cap the number of people we can cater to comfortably.''

A crowd of 98,823 attended last year's Derby and 100,000 are expected Saturday but Mr Courtney said the VRC would restrict entry to between 100,000 and 110,000 no matter what.

``We would encourage people to book early,'' he said.

The battle for the $1.5 million Derby was blown wide open yesterday when the barrier draw handed several race favourites the outside running.

In a trend that threatens to set the tone for the Spring Carnival, two Sydney horses look like fighting for race favouritism.

Savvy Nature ($4.60) and Complacent ($4.80) last night firmed as the front runners with TAB.

Punters also warmed to Polanski ($7.50) which drew barrier one and will carry the hopes of Victoria as the best placed home runner.

While all eyes will be on the horses for Saturday's 2500m feature race to be run at 3pm, attention will also turn to fashion.

The Myer Fashions on the Field pavilion was launched at Flemington yesterday, showcasing the best in style oncourse this season.

Myer Fashions on the Field launch at Flemington Racecourse Melbourne.

Models on the guestlist for the VIP Birdcage on Saturday include Jennifer Hawkins, Rebecca Judd and Kris Smith and fashion designers Arthur Galan and Wayne Cooper.

But Mr Courtney said general admission race goers would this year get their own taste of the high life with pop up food stalls, bars, DJs, show shine stations and entertainers added to the line-up.

Patrons in the Nursery reserve would also have access to iconic Melbourne food vans such as the popular Taco Truck.

``There is a lot happening and what we would encourage people to do is explore,'' he said.

``There is some fantastic racing but there is also some great entertainment, the best of food, music and all sorts of experiences throughout.''

Victoria Police yesterday encouraged racegoers to enjoy the four day carnival but warned that underage drinkers, rowdy patrons and drink-drivers would be targeted.

A crowd of more than 350,000 is expected to attend the four day Cup Carnival with smaller attenadnaces forecast for Oaks and Stakes days.

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WEATHER FORECAST

DERBY DAY: Min 15C Max 26C Mostly dry.

MELBOURNE CUP DAY: Min 8 Max 21 Sunny.