A deserved Melbourne Cup victory to Fiorente and trainer Gai Waterhouse atoning for the defeat by Green Moon last year. Given an inspired ride by Damien Oliver, the favourite settled down in 15th position one off the fence. When the pace slackened mid race Oliver was looking to improve his position between horses putting himself into striking distance cornering in the centre of the course. He loomed up ominously on straightening and quickened up well to hit the front at the 250 metres but then was made to work the whole way to the line by the runner up Red Cadeaux on his inside. Red Cadeaux was very good in defeat once again. He was brought across from barrier 23 to race in 12th position on the outside of his old foe Dunaden. He was on the go three wide improving his position from the 1400 metres on the back of Mourayan. Left in front on cornering he committed early in the straight going clear off Mount Athos to take a clear lead. He stayed on strongly the whole way to the line gamely, going under to Fiorente by only three quarters of a length. A most admirably effort. Mount Athos was given every possible chance by Craig Williams from barrier 22. He managed to slot into fifth one of the fence in the run. He had a lovely run back towards the fence and put in a challenge at the top of the straight. He levelled out on his effort but stayed on strongly hold a narrow third. Simenon raced three wide on the outside of Fiorente in the run. He made his move ahead of Fiorente ranging up at the top of the straight, looking a winning chance on cornering before staying on resolutely for fourth. Dandino was very good in defeat. He raced on the inside of Fiorente in the run. He got shuffled back to be fourth last on cornering scouting for runs. When clear he made many lengths in the straight to be closest at the line, a good effort. Fawkner was also good. He came from last and widest on the turn to put in a good sprint before having his stamina fully tested over the concluding stages. *ANZ