MICHELLE PAYNE is an expert analyst, trainer, VRC ambassador and remains the only female jockey to win the race that stops the nation.

I think this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup is going to be really interesting with the weather and that changes things a lot and makes it very exciting.

I'm leaning towards one overseas raider at good odds to salute in the $10 million race, with one of the favourites not too far behind and some X-factors in the mix. 

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*All odds courtesy of TAB as of Sunday November 2

1. Al Riffa (19)

Weight: 59kg

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien

Jockey: Mark Zahra

Career: 17: 5-6-1

Odds: $7 / $2.80

Huge raps on this horse coming out from Europe. He seems to be one of the best horses that Joseph O'Brien has

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