Record female jockey participation in the Melbourne Cup this year is worthy of celebration, writes Michelle Payne, as she analyses this year’s field. It is all we could ever hope for. Record female jockey participation in the Melbourne Cup this year is worthy of celebration.

Melbourne Cup carnival ambassador Michelle Payne runs an expert eye over every runner in Tuesday’s great race...Vauban (FRA) 7yoG 55.5kgTrainer: Willie MullinsJockey: William BuickBarrier: 11Career: 20: 8-5-2.

The Melbourne Cup winner has run the rule over every horse in the race, tipping a star jockey to face a "tough time" aboard a Chris Waller hope.

Winona Costin remembers sitting in the Flemington grandstand watching Michelle Payne make history by winning the Melbourne Cup, and then feeling slightly disappointed.The lightweight jockey did not immediately share the raw emotion that swept across the country when Payne uttered her powerful line: “They think women aren’t strong enough,

Past winners Gai Waterhouse and Sheila Laxon headline a list of six female trainers involved this year, with Just Fine and winner Knight's Choice respectively. They are joined by Annabel Neasham (Fancy Man), Debbie Rogerson (Sharp 'N' Smart), Natalie Young (Mostly Cloudy) and Oopy MacGillivray (The Map).

Racing greats Michelle Payne and Glenn Boss both agree on which horse has the potential to blow the rest of the field away in this year's Melbourne Cup.