The police will be out in force to make sure human behaviour in Canberra on Melbourne Cup day doesn't gallop away into drink-fueled excess.
Keep the horseplay under the legal limit is the big day police message.
With temperatures nudging up towards 30 on Tuesday and nudging past 30 on Wednesday, revellers were warned not to slake their thirst with too much alcohol, particularly if they hadn't left the car keys at home.
"ACT Policing will be targeting antisocial behaviour as well as drink and drug driving," a statement said.
"If you're attending a Melbourne Cup event, please make sure you know your limits when drinking alcohol and look after your mates.
"If you are drinking - don't drive, organise alternate arrangements to ensure you get home safely."
The biggest event in the ACT will likely be at Thoroughbred Park where they were expecting a bigger crowd than last year, particularly since the weather outlook was good.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast a maximum temperature of 27 degrees, a bit of cloud, and a very low chance of rain. For Wednesday, it was forecasting a maximum of 33, again with no rain.
"I'm pretty confident we'll see growth," marketing manager Robbie Ringland said.
Entry on the day would cost $28 or $12 for OAPs and students. The ticket would get you into the ground - and so a chance to enter the fashion competition.
They would include hats, of course - or "millinery" in racing parlance - a "best dressed" and a "best suit" category, both open to men and women.
The course's pitch to punters said: "Get your workmates, friends and family together for TAB Melbourne Cup and Big Dance Day. Enjoy live racing, Fashions on the Field, live music and more. Canberra Racing Club Members enter free. Official After-Party is at The RUC, in Turner.
"Thoroughbred Park will host a massive day of Fashions on the Field, corporate hospitality, music, fun and local racing, complementing the wonderful racing at Flemington, Randwick and across the country."
The course's tips and rules for those entering for a share of the $8000 prize money for outfits:
Best dressed
- "Must be 18
- Style and originality
- Appropriateness of outfit for a day at the races
- Attention to detail of hat, bag, jewellery, shoes
- The use of millinery (hats)
- Consider an outfit that is timeless and elegantly coordinated
- Grooming and deportment
Best suited
- Style and originality.
- Appropriateness of outfit for a day at the races.
- Attention to detail of accessories, such as cufflinks, lapel flower, hat, and handkerchief should be considered
- Jacket optional, tie/bowtie essential
