Williams opposing favourite

Leviathan owner Lloyd Williams isn’t on the side of the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite Mer De Glace (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}).

"I don't think he can win and he's going to start favourite,” he told RadioTab.

"He doesn't look like a proper stayer to me. He looks like a mile and a-quarter horse on a good, fast track."

Of his trio of runners, Williams rates Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Frankie Dettori's mount Master Of Reality (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) as genuine winning chances.

If they don’t succeed, he is hoping an Australian-trained horse can, nominating Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) and Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) as his picks of the locals.

"If I can't win I would like to see one of those blokes winning," Williams said.

Lean Childs ready

Jordan Childs is hoping all his hard work and dedication pays off on Tuesday when he partners Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) at a weight below his comfort zone in the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Childs won the G3 The Bart Cummings on Surprise Baby at Flemington a month ago, which clinched the lightly raced stayer his spot in Tuesday's Cup.

When the gelding was given a 1kg penalty for that win to take his Melbourne Cup weight to 53.5kg, he set about shedding the weight.

"The horse is going very well. I think we're in with a live chance,” Childs said. “In racing you just always need a bit of luck, but if we can get a bit of luck we should be right there.

"I've had systems in place and the diet's going really well. I'm within striking range now. It's been hard, but I guess it's good to know you're doing it for a good chance."

Popular stayer

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup hope Mirage Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) proved to be an easy sell within a day of his acquisition.

He was sourced by Mark Pilkington, who has worn many hats during more than three decades in the industry, including that of breeder, auctioneer and bloodstock agent, and retained a stake in the horse.

The other owners of Mirage Dancer are mainly stable clients of Busuttin and training partner Natalie Young, with a few new additions.

"We bought the horse and had him sold within 24 hours of acquiring him," Busuttin said. "They knew, all going well, they had a Cup runner."

Mirage Dancer opened his campaign with a third placing in the G1 Caulfield Cup and his trainers say he will be better suited on the more expansive stretches of Flemington.

Brothers in arms

The Dennis brothers are a long way from their Woodlands homes in Southland, but they were never going to miss the thrill of being on track for their own runner in Australia’s most famous race.

The 80-year-old twins Ray and Tony and their slightly younger brothers Joe and Martin will all be on hand to watch their homebred stayer The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) take on an international line-up in the G1 Melbourne Cup.

“Martin came over on Sunday and the rest of us arrived last Friday,” Tony Dennis said. “It’s a big thing for us. He’s the first horse we’ve owned to run in the Melbourne Cup.

“We’re all getting on in age so we’re lucky to be able to get here. It might never happen again so we weren’t going to miss it.

“It’ll be special seeing our own colours out there against Aidan O’Brien and some of the best in the world in the Melbourne Cup. I got a thrill seeing our colours go around in the Caulfield Cup.”

Plenty of chances

Damien Oliver will ride the Kris Lees-trained Mustajeer (GB) (Medicean {GB}) in the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup and described the contest as a wide open affair.

"I think there are a number of chances this year," he said. "It's the widest one I've seen for a while, just because I think they're coming from so many different form directions, so it's not really clear-cut."

Lees said an awkward draw made Mustajeer's G1 Caulfield Cup task difficult and is rapt with barrier six at Flemington.

"I don't know that the horse was that comfortable around the track and he did get further back than we probably preferred, but the barrier dictated that to us somewhat. He's got a more favourable draw now.”

Parade attracts thousands

Thousands of people have braved the rain for the Melbourne Cup parade, including hundreds of protesters angry about the treatment of former racehorses.

The traditional Monday parade through Melbourne's CBD attracted more anti-horse racing activists than usual despite the downpour.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Victoria Racing Club chairman Amanda Elliott carried the $200,000 Cup trophy during the parade.

Ms Capp said the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to Victoria's economy.

"We know that in the lead up to this week more than 50,000 dresses have been brought, about 55,000 hats, fascinators and shoes," she said.

Strong form line

Jamie Richards wasn’t the only New Zealand trainer who had a smile on his face after the win of Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the G1 Empire Rose S. at Flemington.

Hastings conditioner Corrina McDougal, who trains in partnership with Paul Nelson, was happy to see her win so comfortably, particularly given she was the only horse to beat Peso (NZ) (Colombia {NZ}) home in the G1 Livamol Classic.

“It was a bit of a thrill that one, running so well against Melody Belle,” she said. “He did everything right and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. "

The weekend’s result has given McDougal a timely confidence boost ahead of Ellerslie’s meeting on Tuesday where Peso will line-up in the G3 OMFS.

“He is working just as well as he was ahead of the Livamol,” McDougal said. “He’s pretty easy, he just goes on and does his work and everything is pretty much the same as it was before last start. "

Kali spot on

An exhibition gallop between races at Motukarara on Sunday has kept smart Cambridge filly Kali (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) on track for her Group 1 mission at Riccarton on Saturday week.

“She worked really impressively and pulled up well,” trainer Tony Pike said. “It was like a barrier trial for her. She sat a half-length off the other horse (Folk Dress) and cruised up on the corner and they finished it off beautifully.”

Kali also currently remains in the nominations for the G1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas this Saturday, as does stablemate and 1000 Guineas prospect Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice).

“I only left them in there more for the fact if something went wrong with Catalyst and he didn’t get on the plane,” Pike said.