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Miami Bound has assured herself a start in the Melbourne Cup after winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

Miami Bound has revived her spring campaign in time to earn a start in Australia's greatest race.

Winless for almost 12 months since beating her own age and sex in the 2019 VRC Oaks, Miami Bound upset a collection of fringe Melbourne Cup aspirants in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

Given a patient ride from Jamie Kah, Miami Bound had to circle most of the field before beating Shared Ambition and Oceanex in a true Group Two staying test over 2500m.

Her victory marked the first time she had finished in the placings in six starts since her Oaks victory at Flemington during last year's Melbourne Cup carnival.

But in spite of her indifferent lead-in form, trainer Danny O'Brien said he was convinced the mare was close to her best and he expected improvement in softer going.

"All spring I have been really pleased with her," O'Brien said.

"But most of her runs have been firm tracks over unsuitable distances."

Miami Bound has 51kg in the Melbourne Cup but is liable for a weight penalty for Saturday's win.

"I definitely think she will be an acceptor for the race now," O'Brien said.

"When you are this close it is difficult not to run."

Miami Bound started at $26 and surged clear after joining in at the top of the straight to beat the favourite Shared Ambition ($4.20) by 2-1/2 lengths.

Oceanex ($10), assured of a Melbourne Cup berth after winning a ballot-exempt race last season, is on target to run well at Flemington after finishing a half-length away third.