Michael Gannon caught up with Deane Lester last Thursday 27 October, to get his early view on the Melbourne Cup.

Deane mentioned several horses, a few have since been scratched. This interview was taken 5 days out before the field was confirmed, subsequent scratchings were made and track conditions had come to light.

Be sure to check Lester's tips page for his Melbourne Cup staking plan and analysis which will become available around 8.30am on Cup morning.

These were Deane's comments on his key Melbourne Cup runners:

Deauville Legend

• Deane said "the market has got it right with him, he's an absolute beauty with a great profile for the Melbourne Cup".
• He also mentioned to Mick "as a three-year-old he's got a bit of weight with 55 kilograms to carry, as he's probably paying for Cross Counter and Rekindling's success after their wins in previous Cups at lighter weights".
• "he has a really good relentless staying style". 

Knights Order

• one of Deane's favoured local horses
• Deane commented "...it will relish a wet 3200m."

Stockman

• Deane noted "He's going really well and sees him running a bold race."
• Commenting on the possibility of Stockman running in Sydney last Saturday "It's a bit unusual if he runs in Sydney as he will have to travel to Melbourne after that run".