Paul Preusker believes the lessons learned from last year's Melbourne Cup will hold Surprise Baby in good stead for his second tilt at the race.

"Hopefully we can get a position and get good cover this year," the trainer said about the fast-finishing fifth of Surprise Baby last year.

"With this in mind we've done things a bit differently which has been about teaching him to settle. The fact he settled so well on the fence from barrier one in the Turnbull Stakes was a real confidence booster. It means he can get cover in the run and not over-stride. He's got plenty of miles in his legs and he's fit and ready to go."

Last year's winning rider Craig Williams will partner Surprise Baby today.