Pubs and offices around Australia will be in full swing as the Melbourne Cup race takes off at 3pm local time this arvo. But this year, the event is expected to draw fewer than 85,000 people to Flemington, reflecting the decline in television ratings that haven’t recovered since Taylor Swift’s cancellation/boycott in 2019, followed by the pandemic years. The downward shift is being driven by younger Aussies who are concerned about animal welfare/drinking culture/gambling, with several brands quietly distancing themselves from the race. But for those who will be tuning in, Irish neddy Vauban is this year’s favourite, while Absurde, Without A Fight, Soulcombe and Breakup are others to watch. And if you need some nibbles, how about the world’s greatest chicken sandwiches? We’re not even exaggerating…