What the connections think of their Melbourne Cup runners.

1: DUNADEN – Mikel Delzangles (Trainer): “I think he’s in very good form, the same as he was two years ago, but I think he is even stronger. The thing is he has four kilogram more, so he needs to be.”

2: GREEN MOON – Nick Williams (Part owner): “He’s obviously got to improve, he’s got a bit more weight this year but it would be a great story if he could go back-to-back. It would be something very special to us.”

3: RED CADEAUX – Ed Dunlop (Trainer): “He loves it here and he’s in very good form. We could have done with a better draw though.”

4: SEA MOON – Nick Williams: “He’s in good order and has really come on since his last run in the Herbert Power. I think you’ll see him at the absolute top of his game.”

5: BROWN PANTHER – Michael Owen (Owner): “My horse has travelled well. He only lost about seven kilos on the flight and he’s put that back on. He’s eating fine, he’s training well. We’ve got all the boxes ticked so far but obviously the biggest box to tick is to be good enough to win the race.”

6: FIORENTE. Damien Oliver (Jockey): “He’s had a great preparation and is ready to go. It’s a a great opportunity, hopefully I can make the most of it.”

7: FORETELLER – Chris Waller (Trainer): “He is a seven-year-old, he’s not going to get another chance and it’s an amazing race. He’s probably got the best formlines going into it, if he can stay.”

8: DANDINO – Darren Dance (Part owner): “We can’t have the horse any better. It looks like we’re going to get a firm track. We’ve got a good gate. A good rider. It’s the hardest Melbourne Cup field, probably the most even. There’s 13 Group One winners. We’re not a Group One winner yet, but let’s hope we are after Tuesday.”

9: ETHIOPIA. Pat Carey (Trainer): I was delighted with Ethiopia’s run in the Lexus Stakes. The winner Ruscello ran a cracker to win and we were pleased with how our lad was finished.

10: FAWKNER – Nick Williams: “Fawkner has certainly gone forward since the Caulfield Cup and I think he’ll run a great race.”

11: MOURAYAN – Nick Williams: “I thought he was average (in the Mackinnon Stakes) but as he has got older he’s been inclined to put those flat runs in before he runs a good two-mile race.

12: SEVILLE – Nick Williams: “He’s fantastic. I think he’s got a really good chance.”

13: SUPER COOL – Mark Kavanagh (Trainer): “It was a good run in the Cox Plate and I’m sure we’ll have him right for Melbourne Cup day.”

14: MASKED MARVEL – Nick Williams: “The thing with him is, he’s the best stayer in this field. If he runs up to and finds his English form, he’ll win. But the key to him is that he’s got a few tricks and we haven’t had him that long.”

15: MOUNT ATHOS – Marwan Koukash (Owner): “We will bloody win.”

16: ROYAL EMPIRE – Saeed Bin Suroor (Trainer). “We thought this is the right horse. He has done everything right so far. I’m happy with his condition, physically and mentally he is doing really well. There’s no excuse.”

17: VOLEUSE DE COEURS – Mike Moroney (Trainer): “She hasn’t put a foot wrong since being here. She’s been a dream to deal with and has done everything we’ve asked her to do. She ticks all the boxes.”

18: HAWKSPUR – Jim Cassidy (Jockey): “He’s hard fit and I think he’s really ready to run the race of his life. I wouldn’t be getting off mine to ride any other one.”

19: SIMENON – Willie Mullins (Trainer): “I’m really happy how he’s taken his training, how he’s taken his quarantine and how he’s travelled.”

20: IBICENCO – Simon O’Donnell (co-owner) : “The Geelong Cup is one of the two best form races for the Cup. He is a genuine two miler and has always been a genuine contributor.”

21: VEREMA – Christophe Lemaire (Jockey): “I’m very confident with her. She’s tough and very mature for this kind of race. She likes fast ground so she’s got a lot of positive points.”

22: DEAR DEMI – Clarry Conners (Trainer): “She couldn’t be any better. She’s happy, I’m happy and Singo’s happy.”

23: TRES BLUE – Tommy Berry (Jockey): “He’s shown me all the indications that he’ll run a strong two miles and he’s got good tactical speed so that helps as well.”

24: RUSCELLO – Ed Walker (Trainer): “We’re enjoying the ride. I just hope the horse can perform well. It’s a huge ask. We’re under no illusions but he’s an in-form improving horse.”