Two grass track races with deep fields headline a nine-race card that's set to thrill Yarra Valley racegoers, more than 5000 of whom are expected to file into Tuesday's showcase Melbourne Cup trots race day.

For the first time in 16 years grass track racing returns to Victoria's calendar and participants have responded with enthusiasm, with a full field nominating for the United Petroleum Trotters Handicap at 12.19pm and a further 11 for the De Bortoli Trotters Handicap at 2.12pm.

It's a move welcomed by Trots Clubs Victoria manager Toby McKinnon, who joined regional radio program Trots Talk last night.

"The club's gone with some grass track racing which is great to see ... it will really bring the racing right out to the people," Mr McKinnon said. "They will almost be able to lean over the fence and touch the horses as they go past."

The first race kicks off at 10.35am and the last at 4.10pm amid a busy national racing schedule, which centres around the Melbourne Cup at 3pm.

Owing to that schedule, races one (10.35am), two (11.05am) and three (11.39am) will be on Sky 1, races four to nine will be on Sky 2.

Exclusive, extended race coverage can be enjoyed with fantastic coverage on thetrots.com.au's Trots Vision, with Paul Campbell engaged as track side host to deliver post-race and participant interviews throughout the day.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO ENJOY TROTS VISION'S LIVE AND FREE RACING

The nine-race card is a fantastic turnout by participants, with the 84 starters double those who fronted last year (42).

It follows on from a seven-race card the previous night at Terang and shares the Melbourne Cup day with Cobram and Swan Hill.

"There are things happening everywhere at the moment," Mr McKinnon told Trots Talk. "On Melbourne Cup Eve Terang has their Ladies' Night down there, one of their feature nights of the year.

"Then we roll into Melbourne Cup Day where Cobram have a beautiful day where the non-TAB meeting is very relaxed, with nice green grass and picnics on the lawn, Swan Hill on Melbourne Cup night and Melbourne Cup Day at Yarra Valley is probably our biggest attended event of the year with 5000 people out there.

"It's just a wonderful day with all the things you would expect at a Flemington event. The Fashions on the Field and the racing and the big screens, there are just no queues - that's the beauty about it."

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