Each Monday, Saturday Bound takes an early look at the weekend nominations, the likely fields and the first markets as the major players decide where they'll line up.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival reaches its spectacular conclusion on Saturday with Champions Day at Flemington, featuring three Group 1 races and some of the biggest names in Australian racing.

Autumn Glow ($1.20) is the headline act in the Champions Mile, while Tempted ($1.60) dominates the Champions Sprint market. The Champions Stakes promises a much more open contest, with Aeliana and Cosmic Crusader sharing favouritism.

Meanwhile, Rosehill hosts the $2 million Five Diamonds, where Declichy Boulevard heads the market, along with the Hot Danish Stakes for the mares.

With the Melbourne Cup still to be run on Tuesday and several horses holding multiple nominations, the final fields could look considerably different from the early all-in markets.

Flemington

G1 Champions Stakes (2000m) · WFA

The Champions Stakes shapes as one of the most competitive Group 1 races of the carnival, with Aeliana ($4.50) and Cosmic Crusader ($4.50) sharing favouritism.

Aeliana has established herself among Australia's leading middle-distance performers, and the Chris Waller-trained mare gets another opportunity to demonstrate her class over 2000m.

Cosmic Crusader has enjoyed a strong spring campaign, including his victory in the Turnbull Stakes, and the return to Flemington presents another major opportunity.

Birdman ($5.00) and Sir Delius ($5.00) are close behind the leading pair, giving the race four genuine market contenders.

Birdman has been one of the emerging weight-for-age performers of the spring, while Sir Delius brings considerable Group 1 experience.

The Champions Stakes traditionally provides one final opportunity for the country's leading middle-distance horses to finish their spring campaigns on a high.

G1 Champions Mile (1600m) · WFA

Autumn Glow ($1.20) is the overwhelming favourite for the Champions Mile as Chris Waller's superstar looks to complete another outstanding campaign.

The unbeaten mare has been the dominant force of the Sydney spring, including her victory over Ceolwulf in the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick.

Saturday presents another challenge, with the trip to Flemington and a clash against some of Australia's established milers.

There is an enormous gap to Tom Kitten ($11.00) and Lazzura ($13.00), while Lindermann ($15.00) and Sepals ($17.00) are next in betting.

Tom Kitten and Lindermann also hold nominations for the Champions Stakes over 2000m, while Lazzura is prominent in the Hot Danish Stakes market at Rosehill.

The final composition of the field remains uncertain, but there is no doubt who the market expects to dominate.

G1 Champions Sprint (1200m) · WFA

The Champions Sprint brings together some of Australia's best short-course performers down the famous Flemington straight, with Tempted ($1.60) a commanding favourite.

The Godolphin mare has been one of the standout sprinters of the spring, and her performances against elite opposition have established her as the horse to beat.

Joliestar ($4.60) is the clear second favourite, with the Chris Waller-trained mare bringing an outstanding record at the highest level.

Headwall ($7.00) is next in betting, followed by Coolmore Stud Stakes winner The Next Episode ($9.00) and Point Barrow ($11.00).

The Next Episode's participation will depend on his recovery and connections' plans following Derby Day, while Headwall also has a nomination in Sydney.

With the straight 1200m providing a genuine test of speed and stamina, the Champions Sprint should be one of the highlights of the final day.

G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m)

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes provides a final staying feature at Flemington, with several runners looking to finish their spring campaigns with a victory over 2600m.

Small Fry ($4.00) heads the early market, ahead of King Pedro ($5.00).

Both have been prominent in the staying ranks this spring, and Saturday offers another opportunity over a genuine staying distance.

Berkeley Square ($9.00) and Pinhole ($9.00) are next in betting, followed by Bella Montagna ($11.00) and Defiantly ($11.00).

With the Melbourne Cup taking place four days earlier, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes is an important alternative for stayers who miss the Cup or are better suited to the shorter journey.

G2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) · mares

The Matriarch Stakes brings the mares together over 2000m, with Soverato ($5.00) and Too Darn Discreet ($5.00) sharing favouritism.

Too Darn Discreet has attracted early market support, firming from double-figure odds to join Soverato at the top of betting.

Treasurethe Moment ($7.00) is the next contender, with the multiple Group 1 winner bringing an outstanding record against her own sex.

The talented mare has also been nominated for the Champions Mile, giving connections an important decision over her final spring assignment.

Jennis Meadow ($11.00), Ocean Bay ($11.00) and Private Legacy ($11.00) are among the other leading chances.

The Matriarch provides one final opportunity for the middle-distance mares to secure a valuable stakes victory before the carnival concludes.

Rosehill

Five Diamonds (1800m) · 5yos

The $2 million Five Diamonds is the headline race at Rosehill, with Declichy Boulevard ($3.00) heading the early market.

The five-year-old feature has become an important late-spring target, offering substantial prizemoney for horses at an age when many are reaching their peak.

Declichy Boulevard was prominent in the Five Diamonds Prelude market and now heads betting for the main event over 1800m.

Linebacker ($5.00) is the closest challenger, with the talented gelding looking to convert his established stakes-class ability into another major victory.

Welcometotheshow ($7.00) and Zambardo ($7.00) are next in betting, followed by Evaporate ($9.00) and Plymouth ($9.00).

With several runners coming through different spring campaigns, the step to 1800m promises to make this an interesting contest.

G2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) · mares

The Hot Danish Stakes rounds out our look at Rosehill, with Lazzura ($2.00) a clear favourite.

The Chris Waller-trained mare has been one of the leading female performers throughout the spring and is also prominent in the Champions Mile market at Flemington.

Her final destination will be an important consideration ahead of acceptances.

Gerringong ($5.00) is the main challenger after enjoying a successful spring campaign, including her victory in The Nivison at Rosehill.

Tuileries ($7.00) is next in betting, ahead of Arabian Rose ($9.00) and Chains Of Love ($11.00).

The Hot Danish provides another opportunity for the mares to finish their Sydney spring campaigns with a valuable Group 2 victory.