Why is it that punters go crazy for the Melbourne Cup? Desperate to place larger than normal bets on horses weeks and even months before race day?

From a punting perspective it is just another race. Personally, I'll just analyse the race as any other and if I come up with a selection I'll bet, if there is no method selection, no bet.

Don't allow the emotion of the historical race to sway you from your normal punting strategies. Keep things in focus and stay calm. The race is a great spectacle and I enjoy watching it as a sporting event but I won't waste my hard earned money on random selections. I leave that to the once a year punters.

Cheers

Privateer