Without A Fight is rated the second-string overseas runner in the Melbourne Cup but Ed Crisford says the stayer is in prime condition to run well at Flemington.

The stable behind the lesser-fancied of two overseas-trained runners is banking on a piece of form established in Dubai and confirmed in England as a pathway to Melbourne Cup glory.

As the hype around Deauville Legend shows no sign of abating in the countdown to Australia's greatest race, Ed Crisford says it would be unwise to dismiss his contender Without A Fight's chances against the favourite at Flemington.

"He's got some very good English form," the co-trainer said.

"He finished second to Hukum in Dubai and (that horse) went on to win the Coronation Cup at Epsom."

In winning at Epsom, Hukum defeated Pyledriver, a horse rated as one of the UK's best stayers and Crisford is hoping that link augurs well for Without A Fight.

Without A Fight completed a profitable UK season and booked his ticket to Australia when runner-up at Listed level over 2400m with 62.5kg at Newmarket in late September.

"He ran a super race as a prep run (for the Melbourne Cup) at Newmarket just before going into quarantine," Crisford said.

Without A Fight brings a record of seven wins from 17 starts to Australia and holds down a share of second favouritism for the Cup as an $11 chance.

He will have the services of William Buick, the world-class jockey retained by global racing conglomerate Godolphin, for the first time.

Newly crowned as Britain's champion Flat jockey for 2022, Buick secured the Melbourne Cup mount following a parting of ways between Without A Fight's regular rider Andrea Atzeni and owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

Crisford said Without A Fight had settled into his Australian surroundings without incident and would have no excuses on Tuesday.

"I couldn't be happier with his prep, he hasn't missed a beat and he's answered every call," he said.

Deauville Legend and Without A Fight will be attempting to emulate Cross Counter as the second English-trained stayer to win the Melbourne Cup.

Cross Counter scored for Godolphin and Deauville Legend's jockey Kerrin Mcevoy in 2018.

There have been nine international winners since Vintage Crop changed the race forever when he revelled in rain-affected going to win for Ireland in 1993.

Similar conditions are expected to be on offer at Flemington on Tuesday.

The track was rated in the soft range for the Victoria Derby meeting and with rain forecast for Melbourne on Monday and Cup day, it seems certain horses with a liking for give in the ground will be advantaged.