Melbourne Cup Betting: French fancies Dunaden and Americain fit and ready to fire

Craig Williams and Dunaden come home first in the Caulfield Cup

Isabel Mathew is on the ground in Melbourne, canvassing opinions of the main protagonists ahead of the big one including Dunaden and Americain's jockeys Craig Williams and Damien Oliver

Tuesday's Emirates Melbourne Cup sees French-trained horses attempt to make it a third consecutive victory in the $AUD6 million event, with connections of both Dunaden and Americain positive that they can retain or regain their crown.

All eyes have been on the former in the lead up to the contest, who further underlined his wellbeing with an outstanding Caulfield Cup just over two weeks ago. The six-year-old will jump from barrier 16, and jockey Craig Williams is confident of a huge show.

"Dunaden was really impressive from an awkward draw in the Caulfield Cup, and he worked really well again when I rode him on Wednesday. I think that his European form this year is four lengths better, and I feel that he is a lot sharper, which he has to be to carry the extra four-and-a-half kilos.

"He has come out of his last race really well, and is showing a lot more acceleration than previously. The wide barrier draw will enable us to get some cover to switch off which he needs. I don't believe the weight this year will stop him, but we need luck in-running, as it will make it more difficult for him to get out of trouble. I'll be very disappointed if we get beaten."

Pearl Bloodstock's Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani is also confident the son of Nicobar can retain his 100% record in Australia. "I am slightly concerned about the weights, and I think Red Cadeaux is getting in lightly. 

"However, I believe that he was only 80% at Caulfield, and there is definitely lots of improvement to come so that will really help."

Americain became the first French-trained horse to get the ball rolling in 2010, and he is another that has really impressed in quarantine having finished fourth to Dunaden in the same race.

Regular jockey Gerald Mosse has been replaced for this race, and Damien Oliver is confident that the seven-year-old can become the first horse ever to retain his crown after a gap in stall 12.

"I rode him on Wednesday for the first time, and he really felt great. He has come through his last run really well and is in top form - I couldn't be happier with him. I think he will be more suited returning to Flemington, and there is a little bit of rain forecast which will be even better.

"He's good on top of the ground, but is probably better with a bit of cut. We've got a perfect draw as he likes to have a bit of room, and I'll just settle him in and take it from there. I'm a little cautious of Mount Athos and Galileo's Choice as well as Dunaden, but I think he can run very well."

The French have the best strike rate in the history of international contenders with two winners from four runners, and it would be no surprise to see this continue in what is being billed as the most competitive Melbourne Cup ever.