Prince Charles in the running for Melbourne Cup start

PRINCE Charles and wife Camilla are firming as favourites to grace this year's Melbourne Cup.

Charles & Camilla at Royal Ascot

PRINCE Charles and wife Camilla are firming as favourites to grace this year's Melbourne Cup.

Barring a late scratching, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are expected to make a flying visit to Flemington between other official duties Down Under.

A source said while the royal couple's travel arrangements were always open to late changes, a Melbourne Cup appearance "looked like it's a goer".

"If it goes to plan, Charles and Camilla would come to Victoria for a short stay, at most a night, staying at Government House," the source said.

It is understood a tentative itinerary would see the couple fly to Melbourne on the eve of the November 6 race.

Premier Ted Baillieu's office last night declined to comment when asked about plans for a royal visit.

"All queries regarding the travel arrangements of the royal couple need to be made to Clarence House," spokesman Paul Price said.

The Prince of Wales's communications secretary Paddy Harverson said last night an advance party was scheduled to visit Australia next week.

It was "far too early" to confirm any details of the royal couple's likely visit, Mr Harverson said.

"Their itinerary hasn't been confirmed. We will announce it all in due course," he said.

The Prince and Duchess are expected to visit Australia, New Zealand and PNG as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Speculation of Flemington's royal coup has swirled since the Duchess reportedly let slip to some of champion mare Black Caviar's owners at Royal Ascot earlier this year she and Charles would be visiting Australia "in the spring".

Prince Charles attended the cup in 1985 with former wife Diana, and the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips was at the race in 2009.

It was speculated that Queen Elizabeth was set to attend last year's cup while in Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, but she did not.

None of the Queen's stable of horses are among those jostling for a position in this year's field.

The Victoria Racing Club and sponsor Emirates are yet to reveal this year's expected international guests to the Birdcage.

Pippa Middleton - sister of Prince Charles's daughter-in-law Catherine - was said to be on the wish-list.