The race that stops a nation, just not this nation

It's a strange thing, I didn't get home sick when Darbs and Lil had their birthdays recently, but the thought of missing the Melbourne Cup makes me feel far away from home. As the whole of Australia gathers round TVs and radios for the race, life will go on as normal here, I'm sure. Despite Dubai having some strong links to the cup.

The only similarity will be the school run interrupting the cup, the difference is it will be the morning run rather than the afternoon. Still, I'll drop the kids off and rush home to watch the race – I believe it's my duty as an Australian and a resident of Dubai, even if I won't be watching over a champagne luncheon and a handful of TAB tickets.

You see, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, (his whole title is always quoted when he's mentioned in the media here) is a horse racing enthusiast. He owns Godolphin stables and will be vying to win the cup tomorrow. I don't know if the Sheik is in town, if he is I'm sure he'll be watching from the palace tomorrow morning. Dubai airline Emirates is the major sponsor of the Melbourne Cup too. This means as an official resident of Dubai my tip for the cup has to be.... Cavalryman. Plus, it's Frankie Dettori's last cup ride for Godolphin.

What are you doing for the cup? What's your hot tip for the race?