When you see ‘Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude’ in the form guide, it just hits differently doesn’t it? It’s that time of the year.

It’s the second round of Preludes this Thursday night at Sandown Park, with the first round being heats of the Cranbourne Cup.

And we see some big names stepping out…

Race 5 – Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude 6
Barefoot Zulu (2) is in beast mode – he’s absolutely flying, but this is arguably the biggest test of his career so far, at least in his Victorian campaign.

Race 6 – Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude 7
Powerhouse sprinter Mepunga Reward (6) steps out for the first time since he was runner-up to Mallee Beauty in the Adelaide Cup.

Race 7 – Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude 8
The near-faultless Sharapova Star (2) set the third fastest first split time (4.92) ever back in August.

Fernando Bale and Black Magic Opal jointly hold the record at 4.90. Fernando Bale features again with Yoda Bale at 4.91. Sharapova Star holds her 4.92 with Purcell Bale, Starline Express and Striker Light.

Race 8 – Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude 9
We see the return of star sprinter Deadly Avenger (6), who hasn’t raced since a forgettable heat of the Bidgee Cup at Wagga in August.

What’s the purpose of the Preludes?

A greyhound must compete in a Prelude or have won an Exemption race to be eligible to be drawn in the heats.

Here’s the order of entry for Sportsbet Melbourne Cup heats to be run on Saturday November 22.

1. Exemption race winners (includes Preludes)
2. Prelude runner-ups sorted by ranking
3. Remaining Prelude runners sorted by ranking

What’s an Exemption race? There’s a long list of Victoria’s biggest races plus some other majors around the country, where the winners aren’t required to compete in a Prelude. All runners in the upcoming four-dog Shootout (Friday November 14) are also exempt.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY