Nolan was the star of Flemington on Derby day, guiding Headway to victory in the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Typhoon Tracy in the Myer Classic.

But as ecstatic as he was with his successful start to the carnival, Nolan was far from satisfied yesterday morning and wanting more.

While bookmakers have his Melbourne Cup mount Ista Kareem a $101 chance Nolan believes there is one crucial aspect people are forgetting the horse has won over the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m.

Ista Kareem, who won the Sydney Cup this year over the trip, is one of only four Cup runners that are proven over the two-mile journey.

Viewed won the Cup last year, Zavite won an Adelaide Cup and New Zealand galloper Spin Around won this year's Auckland Cup.

Nolan has had three Melbourne Cup rides and on each occasion his mount has failed to stay the trip.

He has no such concerns this year.

''I don't think a lot of people realise how vital it is, that horses proven over the trip can run well above outsiders' expectations simply because they stay the trip,'' Nolan said.

''Ista has won at the two miles and not many of the others have, which could prove interesting at the top of the home straight on Tuesday.

''I know my bloke will keep giving because he's got the miles in the legs and he'll run the trip out whereas a lot of others probably won't.''

Ista Kareem proved himself over the distance when coming from near last to win the Sydney Cup at Randwick in April.

The track was rated slow that day and Nolan yesterday admitted he would be saying his Hail Marys for more rain in Melbourne in the next 24 hours.

Ista Kareem has won five from seven on slow going and one from five plus two minor placings on heavy surfaces.

''A lot more of the wet stuff from up there would be handy,'' he said, looking at the sky. ''He still goes good on a dry track but rain would be a major bonus for us.''

Ista Kareem has drawn the second-widest gate of 23 for tomorrow's race.

The Flemington track remained a good 3 yesterday.

It rained in Melbourne in the morning before clearing up by the afternoon.

TOMORROW

Melbourne Cup day at Flemington Racecourse, Victoria. First of 10 races starts at 10.20am. The Group 1 Melbourne Cup is race seven at 3pm. TV time: Live on Prime from 10am-5.30pm.