Howard compares Cup to campaigning efforts 

Prime Minister John Howard has spent most of today on the hustings in his home electorate as the Melbourne cup overshadowed the campaign. 

Mr Howard could not resist racing metaphors in a speech to a Liberal Party Melbourne Cup lunch in his seat of Bennelong. 

"The going was heavy for a while and now the track's drying out a bit," he said. 

He also took a swipe over the scratching of Labor leader Kevin Rudd's original race pick. 

"I think he should have followed the tried and true path of me-tooism and backed my horse Mahler, at least it would still be in the race," Mr Howard said. 

Mr Howard told supporters he is very optimistic about the big election race and continued his focus on economic management. 

"We are entering a new era of challenge and difficulty," he said. 

meanwhile ….. 

Labor Leader Kevin Rudd had a double win when he drew Efficient in an office sweep and placed $10 on it to win at the TAB during a visit to the Ballina RSL Club. 

Mr Rudd did not say whether he thought his luck today also pointed to a big election win, but he did say that "it won't make me into a betting man". 

His first choice - Maybe Better - scratched from today's race, and Mr Rudd took pot luck with Efficiency 

Rudd's A Winner, Twice Over With Efficient