This year's Ballarat Cup is set for a bumper crowd, with a strong field on the track and plenty to see and do - but a storm might spoil the party a little. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there is a chance of a "possibly severe" thunderstorm on Saturday, with a very high chance of showers likely in the afternoon and evening. There is hope for some sunshine early, with a partly cloudy forecast and a top of 20 degrees - expect north to northeasterly winds in the morning then west to northwesterlies in the evening. READ MORE: Track upgrades ensure it's full steam ahead for Ballarat Cup Day Gates for the 10-race Cup Day open at 11am, with the first race at 12.10pm. There will be no formal Fashions on the Field event, but an online event will run instead - anyone wishing to enter can take a photo of themselves in front of a special backdrop and tag it #ballaratfashions to be in the running for prizes like a night at The Views in Melbourne. The $500,000 Cup itself will run at 4.20pm. Ballarat-trained horses will be in the mix, including Andrew Noblet's Foxy Frida. Keep an eye on thecourier.com.au for live coverage throughout the day. Have you tried The Courier's app? It can be downloaded here.