It’s the race that stops the nation – or at least gets us away from work for a few hours. Melbourne Cup 2014 is on Tuesday November 4, and we’re here to help you pick a winner when it comes to a venue for your celebrations. Happy Cup day!

COOGEE PAVILION

Venue Name: Coogee Pavilion

What to see and do: Get some sand in your cup at Coogee Pavilion. Sit down to a delectable three-course И la carte race day menu and enjoy a flute of Chandon on arrival.

Pick a winner – what’s the highlight: Beachside three-course И la carte race day menu and a complimentary flute of Chandon on arrival.

Wallet damage: $100

Bookings: Bookings required – 9240 3000

Where: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee

When: 12pm

CHERRY BAR AT THE STAR

Venue Name: Cherry Bar at The Star

What to see and do: Celebrate Melbourne Cup with us at Cherry this year with a fabulous special celebration package that’s sure to delight punters. So grab a group of your friends and make sure you have a prime position for all the fun! Tables available for booking as well as individual tickets.

What’s the fuel: Enjoy gourmet canapОs, desserts and premium drinks, all tap beers and non-alcoholic beverages.

Pick a winner – what’s the highlight: The stunning views of Sydney Harbour and entertainment by DJ Minx.

Have a flutter: There will be TV screens in Cherry and there are TAB facilities around the property. Venue manager Tessa Bruce’s top tip for Melbourne Cup is: “Go with who the trainer is – they got them that far!”

Wallet damage: $120pp

Bookings: Bookings essential, call 02 9657 8913 or email [email protected]

Where: Cherry Bar at The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

When: Entry from 12pm, package between 1-5pm

RUPERT & RUBY

Venue Name: Rupert & Ruby

What to see and do: Receive a glass of champagne on arrival. Ruby herself will then show you to your table where you will be served an eight-course meal created by executive chef Eli Challenger. Throughout the day there will be numerous festivities including lucky door prizes, fashion in the field, sweepstakes with money-can’t-buy prizes up for grabs, and games like pin the tail on the suckling pig. Televisions will screen the races live; Rupert will be giving out form guides and there will be general jolliness all day.

What’s the fuel: $95 gets you entry with champagne on arrival and the eight-course set menu. Dishes will include oysters with horseradish, boqueron and creole prawn cocktail, just to name a few…

Pick a winner – what’s the highlight: The sweepstakes and events over the course of the day will be the highlight. You will feel like the winning jockey if you pin the tail on the suckling pig.

Have a flutter: There is a TAB next door. Our hot tip is Who Shot Thebarman.

Wallet damage: $95 plus drinks.

Bookings: Bookings essential through Dean Worland [email protected] or call 7901 0396

Where: IconPark, 78 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst

When: Festivities will start at 11am

DOVE & OLIVE

Venue Name: Dove & Olive

What to see and do: We’re doing a fancy lunch – a relaxed three-course luncheon, with six massive screens around venue to catch all the races indoors and out. There’ll be sweepstakes, hampers for the best-dressed ladies and chaps with the best ties.

What’s the fuel: Think three courses of king prawns, smoked ocean trout, pink snapper or beef mignon and chocolate and double cream tart for dessert. The package also includes bubbles or craft beer on arrival from sponsors Seppelt or Stone & Wood who are bringing along a new limited-release lager for the celebrations.

Pick a winner – what’s the highlight: Making your way through our 26 different beers and ciders.

Have a flutter: As part of the package everyone receives a mystery trifecta ticket for the big race, so everyone’s a part of it.

Wallet damage: $69 plus online booking fee.

Bookings: Bookings of two or more are essential! doveandolive.com.au/melbcup

Where: 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

When: Sittings start from 12pm, winding up at 4pm

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