The dress, stilettos, fake tan, hat versus fascinator - the umbrella?

Expected rain has thrown the lineup of the $4.6 million Melbourne Cup into doubt.

But, more importantly for some, the weather means it is unlikely scant summery numbers like those paraded at Derby Day on Saturday, will come out to play trackside.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Geoff Kitchen said it would be fine early in the morning in Melbourne but showers were expected later.

"I think we'll just pick up a couple of showers by late morning, and then we'll see some rain developing through the afternoon," he said.

"There's a possibility we could have anywhere between about two and five millimetres (of rain before the Cup)."

Flemington Course Superintendent Terry Watson said the track will be rated good for the Cup.

"We have irrigated the track and done the best we can to produce the surface that is suitable for all horses," he said.

Despite the expected downpour, 130,000 punters are expected at Flemington today, and Australians will wager an estimated $100 million at the TAB and through office sweeps.

Defending champion Makybe Diva remained the firm favourite for the 3200-metre race, following Monday's Call of Card.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP