Training legend Bart Cummings said tongue in cheek last week that it was a case of "spot the Aussie" with seven runners from Europe now bidding for glory in the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Hopes must be high after Luca Cumani's heartbreaking near miss with Purple Moon 12 months ago and as a result it is the visitors who dominate the betting.
So much so that they have the top three in the market and five out of the top 10.
Cumani has two strings to his bow this time around with Mad Rush's recent fourth in the Caulfield Cup and Bauer landing the Geelong Cup showing each has acclimatised well after their gruelling trip half way around the world.
Aidan O'Brien has a trio of hopefuls headed by topweight Septimus, who is a class apart considering this is a return back to handicap company.
He romped home in the Irish St Leger on testing ground by 13 lengths but O'Brien is concerned that Flemington's surface may be on the lively side - a late decision will be taken after the trainer has assessed the conditions.
Honolulu and Alessandro Volto also fly the flag for Ballydoyle but it is compatriot Profound Beauty who can give her trainer Dermot Weld another win in the race.
Weld has virtually been accepted as one of their own by the Australians after wins with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle.
Although he does not consider Profound Beauty quite in that league currently, she gets into the event with a low weight and he seems to feel she very much comes into the race in terms of handicapping.
Weld is upbeat about her getting the two miles and his quote that "we are not here for a day out" suggests she is ready to run the race of her life.
Weld has secured the services of jockey Glen Boss (of Makybe Diva fame) so she will not lack for an efficient service from up top.
She gets the vote in what could be a watershed race for the Euro raiders, who genuinely look to have a distinct edge in class compared to the home contingent.
Look for them to dominate the finish.
You can follow Dave Ord's live Melbourne Cup blog throughout the night, leading up to the big race at 0400 GMT
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