Thoroughbred Park ambassadors Nick Risteski and Lee Campbell have some advice for those men with "dad bods" who might be considering entering the Fashions on the Field competition in Canberra on Tuesday.
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"Wear a three-piece suit," Risteski advises. "That way, the vest covers your chest but you're still looking super sharp."
Risteski and Campbell are two of four judges set to cast a critical eye over the well-dressed at Thoroughbred Park on Tuesday as thousands of punters flood through the gates for local Melbourne Cup Day celebrations.
It's set to be a huge day at Thoroughbred Park with marquee functions completely sold out, and live DJs and roaming performers providing entertainment between races. The 21st running of the TAB Federal includes eight races on the day; the first at 11.15am and the last at 4.33pm.
Tuesday looks to be the warmest Melbourne Cup day in Canberra for years, with a top of 26 predicted and the chance of a shower.
But for Campbell and Risteski, the tiny catwalk at the centre of Thoroughbred Park - usually bursting with floral arrangements - is the place to be on the day. It's home to the annual Fashions on the Field competition, and both men are hoping to see a record number of male entrants this year.
"As males, we like to look good as well - because when you look good, you feel good," Risteski, a media personality known affectionately by Canberrans as "Raider Nick", says.
"Life's too short to hold back so if you're feeling like you look good, just do it - as much as you back horses on the day, you need to back yourself too."
Campbell, a local fitness guru and one-time contestant on Australian Ninja Warrior, said patterned suits - including checked and polka dot suits - are in fashion this racing season, as well as round-toed shoes, not pointy ones.
Joining Campbell and Risteski in critiquing the city's most fashion-forward on Tuesday are fellow judges and radio personalities Kristen Henry and Bethany Larsen.
Both women will be looking for "bold, original and creative" racing outfits on the day.
"The ladies need to keep all the classic racewear requirements in mind - so skirts below the knee, shoulders covered, no cleavage - but do something that's different," Larsen says.
"Do something that shocks us, something that we wouldn't think would go together but does."
Adds Henry: "Go different, go original, reach out to a local milliner, create something completely unique and rock it.
"Whatever you do, don't wear something we've already seen at Black Opal or any other race day. That's against the rules and you'll be immediately disqualified."
The female winner of Fashions on the Field this year wins a trip for two to Paris, courtesy of Canberra Centre.
Free buses in front of Thoroughbred Park will get punters back to the city or on to other venues - for those kicking on - at the end of the day.
TAB Melbourne Cup Race Day, Tuesday November 6, Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham. Gates open at 10.30am. Registration for the Fashions on the Field events is strictly between 12.30pm and 2pm with the first heat starting at 2.30pm. For further information and tickets head to www.thoroughbredpark.com.au
