Did we see the Melbourne Cup winner win the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last Saturday?,” asks IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read.

“I think so.  Patience is a sentiment in racing rarely used but Melbourne Cup winning trainers seems to have it.  Lloyd Williams, possibly the greatest owner of stayers currently in Australia, has timed Efficient superbly throughout his career and no wonder last Saturday was another Group 1 to his resume.

“Into $5.00 favourite at IASbet.com to win the Melbourne Cup, Efficient ranks heads and shoulders above the current crop of Cup nominations in my opinion.”

For the Caulfield Cup, Read encourages punters to stick with Maldivian who did not disappoint last week.  “To me, he appeared to be looking for the mile and a half and on looks will improve again to look his best on Caulfield Cup day.  For the record, he remains at $15.”