Corporate bookmakers have reported strong support for Alcopop to win the Melbourne Cup but Tab punters remain committed to the Bart Cummings-trained Viewed.

Alcopop is in at $5 ahead of Viewed at $5.50 with several agencies but Viewed is the $4.60 favorite with Tab Sports bet.

Viewed is seeking back-to-back wins in the Cup with Cummings targeting a 13th victory. Cummings also has an $8 chance Roman Emperoro and Allez Wonder at $26 in the Cup.

The field has been reduced to 23 after the scratching of the David Hayes-trained Changing-of-the-Guard this morning after vets determined the European import was lame.

Meanwhile, Grants Waterhouse General Manager Peter McCoy said people are coming to bet in their outlets but not spending a big amount of money like overseas.

We also managed to speak with some of the punters at the Grants Waterhouse agency in Suva and this is what they have to say about today's race.

The Melbourne Cup race will start in the next hour.