The Flemington track has been upgraded to a good 3 ahead of the $6 million Melbourne Cup which is due to jump at 3pm (AEDT).

The track was rated a dead 4 this this morning but was upgraded after the second race when Kasane saluted for Pat Carey and Hong Kong-based jockey Brett Prebble in the $100,000 TAB Trophy (1700m).

With only scattered showers predicted throughout the day, the weather is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Melbourne Cup surface.

In the first race of the day Shaun Dwyer-trained filly Villa Verde announced herself as a potential Golden Slipper contender when making easy work of her rivals to win by nearly 3 lengths in the Listed 7News Plate (1000m).

“We might have the right horse to at least run in the Slipper,” Dwyer said.

“She just does everything right. She’s just like one of those talented sportsman, Federer. She’s just so cool and so composed in herself, makes it easy to train.”

Robert Smerdon-trained import Verdant booked his ticket to the Sydney Cup in the autumn when a convincing winner in the $100,000 Lavazza Long Black (2800m) in what was the third race of the day.