Pat Smullen believes Profound Beauty has a "massive chance" of Melbourne Cup glory if the ground comes up right at Flemington next week.
The Irish raider was fifth in the big race back in 2008, but Smullen believes she can surpass that if conditions are in her favour for the "race that stops a nation".
Her trainer Dermot Weld knows exactly what it takes to win the big one - having prevailed with Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002.
Smullen told the Irish Times: "Once we got her down there we knew she'd take to the place well. David Phillips is looking after her and she seems to have got over the trip and everything is set. I arrive in Thursday night and I'll ride her on Friday morning, see how she is.
Massive chance
"There's no getting away from the fact that if it is typical Aussie firm it will be too quick for her. We hope there is an ease. They're having broken weather and if there are a few showers and the ground comes up nice I think we will have a massive chance."
The hot favourite for next Tuesday's race is dual Cox Plate winner So You Think - bidding to give legendary Bart Cummings a 13th victory in the big race.
And Smullen admits that he'll prove a dangerous opponent, saying: "All the quotes I've read from those who've ridden against him have been very impressive and he is clearly a very talented horse. He's going to be hard to beat."
