AUSTRALIAN CUP

* First run in 1863 when won by Barwon

* Between 1863 and 1942 run over 18 furlongs (3600m)

* Run at weight-for-age between 1979-1981 and since 1987; run as a handicap 1982-86

* Has been won by some of the greats of the Australasian turf including Tim Whiffler (1867), Malua (1886), Welkin Prince (1962-63), Craftsman (1965-66), Leilani (1975), Ming Dynasty (1978, 1980), Dulcify (1979), Hyperno (1981), Bonecrusher (1987), Vo Rogue (1989, 1990), Better Loosen Up (1991), Let's Elope (1992), Veandercross (1993), Saintly (1996), Octagonal (1997), Northerly (2001, 2003), Lonhro (2004) and Makybe Diva (2005)

* Most successful trainer: 13 Bart Cummings - Arctic Coast (1968), Gladman (1973), Leilani (1975), Lord Dudley (1976), Ngawyni (1977), Ming Dynasty (1978, 1980), Hyperno (1981), Noble Peer (1985), Let's Elope (1992), Saintly (1996), Dane Ripper (1998) and Sirmione (2008)

* Most successful jockey: 8 Tom Hales - Lurline (1875), Richmond (1876), Savanaka (1879), Navigator (1883), Morpeth (1884), Trident (1887), Carlyon (1888) and Dreadnought (1890)

* Makybe Diva set the Flemington 2000-metre record of 1:58.73 in 2005.

MELBOURNE CUP REMATCH:

Last year's Melbourne Cup winner Protectionst meets runner-up Red Cadeaux again at Flemington. English stayer Red Cadeaux, a three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up, has made his fifth trip to Australia but first for an autumn carnival.

RACE PATTERN: Should be a genuine tempo with Tasmanian gelding The Cleaner a noted frontrunner. Greatwood should also go forward from a wide gate while Entirely Platinum is another who can be prominent. Happy Trails should get nice run while look for Protectionist to be doing his best work late.

FANCIED RUNNERS: Happy Trails has won three Group Ones at Flemington and his two runs this campaign have been good. The question mark with Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist is whether he will be sharp enough at 2000m. Spillway is knocking on the door of a big win while Mourinho is in career-best form.