The biggest star in the Birdcage for the morning was Melbourne Cup darling Michelle Payne, dressed in pale pink — with wings — every inch the likeness of the Melbourne Cup guardian angel.
With no mount for the race that made her name a year ago, Payne was in high demand in the sponsored marquees of the Birdcage with only betting behemoth Tabcorp successfully enticing her in during the morning.
Nearby Race sponsor Emirates were awaiting the arrival of actor Elsa Pataky, wife of Chris Hemsworth, who on Friday wrapped production on Thor on the Gold Coast. Hemsworth was no accompanying his wife, a horse lover.
