Damien Ractliffe
1. Tiger Moth
2. Verry Elleegant
3. Russian Camelot
If the trick to winning a Cup is beating the handicapper, then Tiger Moth looks a great chance. The northern hemisphere-bred three-year-old has a similar profile to past winners Rekindling and Cross Counter, and Aidan O'Brien is desperate to win his first Cup. Verry Elleegant and Russian Camelot are the two best locals, while Charlie Fellowes has set Prince Of Arran to peak in this year's Cup.

Adam Pengilly
1. Surprise Baby
2. Anthony Van Dyck
3. Prince Of Arran
From the moment they passed the post in last year's Melbourne Cup crawl, Surprise Baby was set for the 2020 race. If it wasn't for the farcical tempo as he zipped home into fifth from near last, he might already be a Cup winner. This year's race is much deeper, but he'll stay, has a turn of foot and has dodged the handicapper for the last 12 months. It's his time.

Andrew Wu
1. Russian Camelot
2. Prince Of Arran
3. Sir Dragonet
There is plenty to like about Russian Camelot. Trained by last year's Cup winner, his lead up form in the top weight-for-age races has been excellent, especially the Cox Plate where he was beaten by two that had softer runs. Jockey Damien Oliver on board is a big tick, and gate 16 will help rather than hinder. There is a slight query regarding the firm ground. Prince Of Arran has a bit of Red Cadeaux about him, and Sir Dragonet cannot be dismissed after winning a stamina test in Cox Plate. Steel Prince the best roughie.