A massive prize pool is on offer for the winner of the Classic Ladies Racewear section including five nights accommodation and flights for two to Paris. Yes, Paris. A host of gift cards and vouchers are also included in the prize.

The winner of the Classic Men's Racewear will receive a $1000 Canberra Centre gift card, as well as other prizes.

There will also be prizes for the runners-up in each category.

And let's all remember, tandoori tans and nightclub attire are not going to cut it. Or as the criteria for the competition so delicately puts it "a predominance of exposed skin is not classed as classic racewear''.

There will be big points for style and originality, the appropriateness of the outfit for race day, attention to the detail of accessories and  "no denim or moleskins however we do understand trans-seasonal trends and weather''.

Hats or fascinators were essential.

Last years' winner of the Classic Ladies Racewear, Goulburn physiotherapist Cobie Sheehan, said she planned to enter fashions on the field in Canberra again on Tuesday.

She was a "little bit jealous'' of this year's prize, with her prize last year a collection of vouchers.

The 29-year-old was going for "bright, bold colours'' again and "florals for spring'' with a hat from Peacock Millinery in Darwin.

Her tips for that winning edge?

"I think just having confidence in your own style,'' she said.

"If you can love what you're wearing and get up on stage and rock a smile, that's the key.''

And her pet hates for fashions on race day?

"Skirts that are too short and bare feet,'' she said.

Gates open at Thoroughbred Park at 10.30am on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, ACTION will be providing free charted services from Thoroughbred Park to the City Bus Station, diverting to the official after-race day venue The Duxton, O'Connor between 4pm and 7.30pm. More information is available on the ACTION website. www.action.act.gov.au and The Duxton website www.theduxton.com.au