I’ve checked to see if I’ve done this in previous years. I haven’t. So although it isn’t the most original theme it is new to me, and it could prove useful to you.

My field won’t include as many entrants as the race and please forgive my turf talk, I still don’t understand the subtleties of a quinella or trifector. Nor have I actually been to the legendary event – I have managed Derby Day, which was a memorable occasion – many happy hours in the Bird Cage drinking Mumm (I think) and not quite as much time watching the horses.

But then this is a blog about wine, not horse racing. One further caveat. I haven’t drunk the exact vintages listed, I’m going on memory and the tasting notes I find.

So, odds on favorite, from the Taittinger stable, is the 2006 Comtes De Champagne, a pure bred chardonnay champagne and at $299 a pop ($570 for the magnum which is actually much better value). Not as big as some in the field but oh so very elegant. A mare of great grace.

Next up, Bollinger RD 2002. If you think muscle wins then go for this one, such power, such length, such stride. The R.D. stands for Recently Disgorged, the wine has spent eight years on the lees building its phenomenal flavor. It’s the Phar Lap of the fridge. But at $380 a bottle you pay for the privilege.

2004 Sir Winston Churchill by Pol Roger. Easy to imagine a horse with either name and Winnie seems so appropriate. Barrel ferment gives this noble challenger an edge, with more character and lots of staying power. If you’re an RD fan add this to your ticket. The price is slightly more favorable at $320.

If you win well on Tuesday make sure you celebrate with one of these three. If you’re just there for the fun, then here are some cheaper ways to enjoy yourself.

Wearing distinctive orange colours, our next entrant is Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. The widow can hardly be called a filly, and she’s more a grande mere than a mare. A popular crowd favorite and easy to recognise in the field, but I’d be backing a less well known name for my money. $58

Billecart-Salmon Brut NV. You know it’s always one of my favorites. It’s also a little bit more of an interesting choice than the regular line up such as Moet or the above Widow. Perhaps more a colt than a stallion, but such breeding.

At just $25 Veuve Monsigny NV Premier Cru from the Aldi stable. It looks like the real thing, tastes like the real thing but it may struggle over the longer distance.

And finally, a local contender that could just roar down the final furlongs like the 100-1 Prince of Penzance who took the cup 2015, and surprise the more fancied imports; ‘A’ by Arras. This sprightly runner has plenty of wins to its name, most notably two world championships in 2015 and 2016 and will set you back less than $22.

I predict a close race.