This year’s Melbourne Cup isn’t just another “race that stops a nation” — it’s a chance to rewrite history.

For the first time in 164 years, a horse trained in the United States will take the stage at Flemington. Meet Parchment Party, the Bill Mott-trained stayer ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, ready to test the Aussies on their own turf in Tuesday’s $10 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

Post time: 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT — live on FanDuel TV and SkyRacingWorld.com.

🌎 A Global Showdown with Local Pride

From its first run in 1861, the Cup has grown into the most international race in the world — a 3,200-meter grind where stamina, tactics, and timing collide. This year’s lineup includes powerhouse names from Ireland, Japan, Germany, Britain, and of course, the home team trying to keep the Cup in Aussie hands.

Top betting choices include Half Yours (AUS) and Al Riffa (IRE) around $5.00, with Valiant King close behind.

And then there’s the American invader — Parchment Party, sitting at around $34 odds, a true outsider with a puncher’s chance. But remember: this is the Cup. Stranger things have happened — just ask anyone who backed last year’s 100-1 upset.

🏇 The American Dream Team

Mott’s resume says it all — Cigar, Royal Delta, Country House — and now, he brings his best stayer across the Pacific. Velazquez, fresh off a whirlwind Breeders’ Cup weekend at Del Mar, barely had time to sleep before catching a flight to Melbourne. Talk about jet-set dedication.

The challenge?

Parchment Party has done almost all his work on dirt, and now he’ll tackle Flemington’s long grass circuit for the first time. But Mott isn’t fazed:

“He’s tough, he stays, and he’s earned his chance,” said the Hall of Famer earlier this week.

🏆 Why This One Matters

Whether he wins or not, Parchment Party has already made history. American horses rarely venture this far for staying races — but this run could open the door for more U.S. challengers in the years ahead. It’s a link between two of the world’s greatest racing weekends — the Breeders’ Cup and the Melbourne Cup — pulled off by two legends who just don’t quit.

Win, lose, or photo finish — it’s a moment worth celebrating.

Because when Parchment Party breaks from the Flemington gates, he’s not just running for connections. He’s running for the red, white, and blue. 🇺🇸

Aces & Races Pick:

#18 Parchment Party (USA) — long odds, big heart. The story’s too good not to root for.