Cost-conscious Melbourne Cup office parties and post-race celebrations are expected to drive pizza sales up on Tuesday 3 November as punters gather for the race that stops the nation.

As AustraliaÕs second largest pizza maker, the franchise network Eagle Boys is expecting to sell more than 140,000 pizzas this Melbourne Cup Day, up 30 percent compared to an ordinary Tuesday.

Eagle Boys managing director Todd Clayton said this Melbourne Cup Day was expected to be one of the biggest pizza-eating days of the year, along with State of Origin nights and school holidays. “WeÕve already seen a surge in punters pre-ordering their pizza lunches and post-race snacks through our online ordering system at www.eagleboys.com.au.

“In fact some customers have been so organised that they ordered and paid for their pizzas online 14 days before race day,” he said. “Many are planning on taking advantage of the fact that Melbourne Cup falls on Cheap Tuesday, when pizzas are discounted without the need of a coupon.”