James Cummings hopes one of his legendary grandfather’s successful methods will be the “extra little bit of ammunition” required as Zardozi seeks to upstage international raiders in the $8 million Melbourne Cup.

Eleven of “Cups King” Bart Cummings’ record 12 Cup winners ran at Flemington on Derby Day, three days before the race that stops the nation.

Saintly, whose final lead-up race in 1996 was an epic Cox Plate triumph, was the only exception.

Such is a path rarely used now, favoured lead-ups the Mackinnon Stakes (now Champion Stakes) and Archer Stakes have been shifted in the spring program.

But James Cummings will use Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1,600m) as the platform for Zardozi’s shot at glory over the two miles on Tuesday.

“I worked for him, worked alongside him, and that can’t help but have an impact on the way you view training or a horse’s preparations in the longer term,” Cummings said of his late grandfather’s influence.

“We’re up against it, there’s no doubt about that. Our little mare has to rise to the occasion and has to find a way.

“If we’re a chance to beat them (European imports) we need to beat them at our game, not theirs.

“While they’re capable of going into races with many weeks off — some horses have won a Melbourne Cup with months off — our horses are not the same.

“It (Saturday’s run) could be that extra little bit of ammunition that she needs against these tough and outstanding staying European horses.”

The quick turnaround is a formula that has worked previously for Zardozi, who won last year’s VRC Oaks five days after triumphing in the Wakeful Stakes.

While not ruling out the prospect, Cummings isn’t expecting jockey Daniel Stackhouse to steer Zardozi to victory in the Empire Rose Stakes.

But Cummings hopes the run will help the four-year-old mare settle at Flemington after he observed her race keenly at times when fourth in the Caulfield Cup.

The Chris Waller-trained Atishu is the favourite, with Amelia’s Jewel and Orchestral also among the leading fancies.

“It really depends on the way the race is run but one thing I do know is that while she’s been set for a two-mile race, she’s got a turn of foot,” Cummings said.

“And stayers with a turn of foot are dangerous in any races — they can surprise.

“I wouldn’t be disappointed to see her lose the race if she’s storming home to be ready for the Cup.

“Would it entirely shock me if she won? Well, stranger things have happened.”

Authorities will give special dispensation to clear Zardozi for the Melbourne Cup.

A veterinary inspection looms after the Empire Rose Stakes, which is scheduled to start at 5pm AEDT, 30 minutes after final acceptances for the Cup close.

The next horse in the order of entry — Trust In You — will be elevated into the field if Zardozi fails the test.

The final field will be announced on Saturday evening when the barrier draw is conducted.

Listen to the live call of the 2024 Melbourne Cup on ABC Radio, ABC Sport Digital and the ABC Listen App, with coverage from 2:30pm to 3:30pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5.

AAP