Cumani must count on Basaltico

Luca Cumani must pin his Melbourne Cup hopes on current Geelong Cup favourite Basaltico on Wednesday.

The England-based trainer saw Cima De Triomphe finish 13th in Saturday's Caulfield Cup and so miss the ballot, having needed a finish in the top eight.

Basaltico has been installed at the top of the betting market for Wednesday's 2406m run, which has a prize pot of $200,000.

Centrebet has the stayer as the joint favourite at 6.50, level with Godolphin stable star Crime Scene.

The same bookmaker has Sterling Prince as the third favourite for Wednesday, on odds of 7.00.

Godolphin stable foreman Tom Strang said Crime Scene could be ready to run a strong race, and is likely to be the top weight with 57.5kg.

Quoted by the Geelong Advertiser, he said: "He runs better fresh and he hasn't had a run since the end of July."

Guyno is among the leading Australian chances in the race, and is currently third favourite with Centrebet on odds of 8.50.

The galloper is last year's Perth Cup winner and is also among a clutch of horses looking for a win on Wednesday in order to have a chance at the Melbourne Cup.