MELBOURNE people may not realise it, but the spring racing carnival actually starts at Gunbower – on October 1.

Just ask Mick Farrant, he should know – the Gunbower Racing Club president says none of the big-ticket events at Flemington, Caulfield and The Valley can start until after the Gunbower Gold Cup has been run.

And if you want to see the first big run of the spring, all signs indicate...