"We started with Anthony Van Dyck as our favourite after the barrier draw on Saturday, but [on Monday] there was good money for Surprise Baby and then a push for Tiger Moth that made it favourite.

“We haven’t had a Cup like this for a long time.”

The Irish think these horses are just better than ours.

Bluebet’s Michael Sullivan

Bluebet’s Michael Sullivan was bracing for a flood of money for the Irish raiders Anthony Van Dyck and Tiger Moth on Tuesday but believes the Cup could stay in local hands.

“The Irish think these horses are just better than ours and I think we are going to get a lot of money for them,” Sullivan said.

“I’m happy to take it because I don’t think we have had this quality of Australian-trained horses in the race for a long time.

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“Verry Elleegant was very strong at the end of the Caulfield Cup when she won and I have no doubt she can do it again.

“There has been plenty for Surprise Baby, which is a two-mile specialist.”

If there is to be a blowout, it could be the Joseph O'Brien-trained Twilight Payment, which was $41 to $21 on Monday.

"The one they have really come for since the final field was declared is Twilight Payment. There has been a string of big bets," Ladbrokes boss Dean Shannon said.

"It appears a very even Cup with some strong internationals and an impressive local contingent.

"Surprise Baby was definitely the most popular in the all-in markets and we expect a lot of the late money to come for him again.

"Of the internationals, Tiger Moth and Anthony Van Dyck have been well backed and equate for 15 per cent and 13 per cent of the total hold respectively.”