Calm before the mayhem of Melbourne: today's going and market movers

Not quite a manic Monday, but it will be a terrific Tuesday for some with the Melbourne Cup due off in the early hours of tomorrow.

You can find the runners and riders for Australia's greatest race here, but before that it's over to Plumpton and Hereford – two stalwart jumps courses – for the entertainment this afternoon.

Today's cards

Conditions at the tracks remain on the quicker side, but there should be no ground worries at Kempton, which stages a twilight all-weather fixture.

Crowned Eagle is in action on the card and his part-owner, soccer star Charlie Austin, said: "His trainer [Marco Botti] is happy with him as the horse has been in great form at home. This looks a competitive race, but one he should go close in."

Going report

Plumpton (first race at: 1.30)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 8.0 Hurdle and 8.2 Chase at 8.45am on Monday). Rail movements: 1.30 -9yds, 2.00 & 3.00 -12yds, 2.30 +162yds, 3.30 +108yds and 4.00 -15yds.

Hereford (1.45)
Good to firm, good in places (GoingStick: 7.1 at 8.15am on Monday). Rail movements: 1.45 +114yds, 2.15 & 3.15 +75yds and 4.15 +90yds.

Kempton (4.30)
Standard to slow.

Market movers

5.00 Kempton 8 Elenora Delight 13-2 (from 9-4)
6.00 Kempton 6 Architecture 10-3 (from 6)
6.30 Kempton 6 Crafty Madam 17-2 (from 12)
7.00 Kempton 4 Kingston Kurrajong 8-1 (from 14)
*prices with bet365

What to back

Tom Segal is on hand with a special Melbourne Cup Pricewise and Kevin Morley has the trends for the big race, while David Baxter takes a look at the British action.

There is also the usual dollop of expertise in Signposts and Tips Box.

What to read

A blow for Douvan's camp and fans, insight into the future of the Tote and a Trevor Whelan injury update are among the offerings.

Luca Cumani enjoyed a fairytale farewell Group 1 strike in Italy yesterday, while his Newmarket counterpart Michael Bell also struck.

What to watch

Here's a horse to follow from Patrick Mullins, who'd probably know . . .

... and we've updates on Thistlecrack and Native River ...

More videos can be found on our YouTube channel.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Head to the sports section to find out if our ace tips can hit the back of the net.

Final thought

Interesting views from US riding legend Steve Cauthen on Christophe Soumillion's Breeders' Cup Classic ride on Thunder Snow – perhaps people are a little too sensitive these days.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app