The Big Dance is back for 2023 after its inaugural running last year.
A fresh addition to Melbourne Cup Day, Royal Randwick will host the $3 million regional-focused race.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of The Big Dance.
MORE: How many Australian horses are in the Melbourne Cup?
When is The Big Dance 2023?
This year's edition of The Big Dance will take place on Tuesday, November 7.
What time is The Big Dance 2023?
The Big Dance will be run at 2:20 pm AEDT — 40 minutes before the Melbourne Cup.
What is The Big Dance?
The Big Dance is a recent addition to the spring racing calendar, held for the first time in 2022.
It has a strong focus on New South Wales-based thoroughbreds, with horses gaining entry by either winning or finishing second in 25 selected country cups.
Run over 1600 metres, it is a handicapped event for horses aged 3 years and above, with a minimum handicap weight of 50kg.
The introduction of the race created some headlines last year, with claims the event could discourage punters from travelling to Flemington.
"We're not taking any gloss off the Melbourne Cup — this is to complement the race," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys said.
"It's positive for the industry in NSW. It's the best state we've ever been in."
Where is The Big Dance held?
The Big Dance is held at Royal Randwick Racecourse, located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.
Opened in 1833, the track has a circumference of 2224 metres with a home straight measuring 410 metres.
How to watch The Big Dance 2023
Channel 7 will broadcast all the action from Randwick, including the running of The Big Dance.
Sky Racing will also show the race.
How many horses are in The Big Dance 2023?
A total of 20 horses will compete in The Big Dance this year, with four emergency runners also named.
The Big Dance prize money
The total prize money on offer for The Big Dance is $3 million — a $1 million increase on last year's pool.
Winning connections will walk away with $1.56 million.
The Big Dance 2023 tickets
To buy tickets for Royal Randwick on Cup Day, click here.
The Big Dance 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
The final field has been locked in and it is a relatively open betting market.
Cepheus is currently the favourite, with Iknowastar and Wicklow among the other fancied runners.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of November 6. Say HEY to the social bet, Download the DABBLE app.
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Cepheus (1) | Nash Rawiller | Matthew Dunn | $4.80 |
| 2. Banju (15) | Jean van Overmeire | Lyle Chandler | $81 |
| 3. Attractable (7) | Regan Bayliss | Sara Ryan | $13 |
| 4. Wicklow (2) | Tommy Berry | Chris Waller | $7.00 |
| 5. Superium (10) | Adam Hyeronimus | M., W. & J. Hawkes | $17 |
| 6. Commando Hunt (21) | Reece Jones | Cameron Crockett | $71 |
| 7. Akasawa (20) | Chad Schofield | P. Messara & L. Gavranich | $13 |
| 8. Iknowastar (3) | Tyler Schiller | Bjorn Baker | $5.50 |
| 9. Camaguey (23) | Tom Sherry | Kim Waugh | $81 |
| 10. Hollywood Hero (19) | Jason Collett | Bjorn Baker | $17 |
| 11. Full Press (17) | Adin Thompson | Brett Dodson | $126 |
| 12. King Of The Castle (16) | Kathy O'Hara | Joseph Pride | $8.50 |
| 13. Wategos (8) | Jay Ford | Bjorn Baker | $9.00 |
| 14. Super Helpful (11) | Andrew Adkins | B. Joseph, P. & M. Jones | $20 |
| 15. Prince Of Helena (6) | Jake Duffy | Craig Weeding | $20 |
| 16. Highlights (5) | Brock Ryan | Bjorn Baker | $21 |
| 17. High Court (12) | Grant Buckley | Rodney Northam | $71 |
| 18. Unamerican (18) | Anna Roper | R. & W. Freedman | $126 |
| 19. Crackalacka (4) | Molly Bourke | Theresa Bateup | $126 |
| 20. Manderboss (9) | Quayde Krogh | B. Joseph, P. & M. Jones | $126 |
| 21e. Pepper's Ghost (24) | - | Brett Cavanough | $126 |
| 22e. Knife's Edge (14) | - | Garry Lunn | $126 |
| 23e. Just A Brother (13) | - | Terry Croft | $126 |
| 24e. Lion's Roar (23) | - | John O'Shea | $20 |
The Big Dance past winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2022 | Rustic Steel |
