International raider Dandino has firmed dramatically in the Melbourne Cup betting and is now the second favourite after a slashing second to Fawkner in the Group 1 $2.5m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield today.

Dandino has firmed in Melbourne Cup betting after their impressive second in the Caulfield Cup. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia

The Gai Waterhouse trained Fiorente remains the Melbourne Cup favourite at $5.50 with the Marco Botti trained Dandino now the $7 second favourite while Fawkner has firmed from $101 to be on the third line of betting at $10.

Beaten Caulfield Cup favourite Hawkspur is next in the betting at $11 and wasn’t disgraced in finishing seventh after making up some ground in the straight from near the tail of the field.

But Dandino with Craig Williams aboard put in a terrific trial for the Group 1 $6.2m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5.

Williams had no option than to settle Dandino near the tail of the field from barrier sixteen and the seven year old made up many lengths down the middle of track indicting that the 3200m on the larger Flemington track will be right up his alley.

Williams was very impressed with Dandino who lived up to his good track work sessions at the Werribee International Horse Centre during the week.

“He went super, charged to the line, he’s a very good horse,” Williams told Racing Network.

Jockey Jim Cassidy was very happy with the effort of Hawkspur to finish seventh and said it was a great Melbourne Cup trial.

“I was further back than I wanted to be early but I had no options from the gate. He was pretty bloody strong late. Great Melbourne Cup trial,” Cassidy said.

David Hayes’ imported stallion Jet Away is another to firm significantly with his gutsy performance to finish fourth after leading the Caulfield Cup field into the straight and is now a $13 chance.

“Extraordinary run, wouldn’t settle at any stage,” jockey Damien Oliver said.