Tasmanian Turf Club chairman Brian Walker said he was expecting a really good day. 

“This year’s event we changed the Fashions on the Field to the front of the ground which will create a good atmosphere and we’ve got more marquees in,” Mr Walker said.

“It’s supposed to be 26 degrees and sunny, so it’ll be a beautiful day.”

Tasmanian Turf Club chief executive Peter Scott said this year’s event was already up on the 2016 Cup, which attracted 10,000 patrons.

 “We sold out in the members area probably four weeks ago, overall our car spots are going well too,” he said.  “It’s one of the most popular regional cups in Australia, it’s largely acknowledged on the mainland and many people travel down.” 

While the pair agree they’d like to see a Tasmanian horse win the big race, they both backed Big Duke to take home the prize.