A luckless fourth in the prestigious Australian contest in 2002, Vinnie Roe has since won two Irish St Legers to take his tally in the Classic to an amazing four.

Unlike two years ago, when he travelled badly and did not settle at the Sandown quarantine facility, his preparation this time has been faultless.

This was confirmed by his trainer, who said: “Everything has gone perfectly since we got here and providing there is some give in the ground, he should run a big race.”

Weld will not give Vinnie Roe the final go-ahead to run until Cup morning because of the ground, but it looks certain that he will be in the field as he attempts to add to the trainer’s victories with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle.

Pat Smullen, who has partnered Vinnie Roe in 22 of his 23 starts, will be aboard again, while stablemate Media Puzzle will be ridden by Victoria’s champion jockey Damien Oliver.

He was superbly ridden by Oliver when he won the Cup two years and significantly, the jockey has chosen Media Puzzle ahead of Michael Stoute’s Distinction.

Against that, Media Puzzle has a more difficult assignment this year.

After a series of problems the seven-year-old has had only two starts since his unforgettable victory, and he rises 7lb, which means he will be meeting Vinnie Roe on 9lb worse terms than he did in 2002.

Australia’s hopes of keeping the prize at home appear to rest with defending champion Makybe Diva, who was bred in the Northern Hemisphere.

The six-year-old, who has been transferred from David Hall to Lee Freedman since last year, is obviously better than she was 12 months ago.

This was evident in the Caulfield Cup, when she was a fast-finishing second behind in-form Elvstroem.

She has worked well since then and her rider Glen Boss is in brilliant form, having ridden a treble at Flemington on Saturday.

However, the history of the race is against her because in order to win she will have to establish a weight-carrying record for a mare.

Former British stayer Hugs Dancer, who finished ninth last year after having a torrid run, also has to enter calculations.

Other leading chances are held by Distinction, Pacific Dancer, Another Warrior and Elvstroem.

Pacific Dancer is an emerging four-year-old who was impressive in winning the Geelong Cup – a race won by Media Puzzle two years ago – on his most recent start.

Another Warrior is racing in the form of his life, producing a last-to-first run to take the Moonee Valley Cup, and Elvstroem has done nothing wrong this spring, although the distance could be a worry.