Oliver, who rode the Luca Cumani-trained Cima De Triomphe who failed to qualify for the Cup when he finished only 13th in the Caulfield Cup, was in danger of being without a Melbourne Cup ride this year.

''My opportunities were getting a bit limited with the weight factor not being able to ride much lighter than 53kg so I was very grateful to get on to Warringah,'' Oliver said yesterday. ''He comes here in good form and after sitting on him this morning he feels in great order so it's all looking good.''

The Galileo five-year-old was formerly prepared by Sir Michael Stoute but will be having his first outing for Sydney trainer Chris Waller in the Cup.

The gelding is lightly raced having had just 12 starts for two wins and five second placings and Waller says he's already looking long term to next year's Cup.

Five of Oliver's past six rides in the Cup have been international horses and have included 2002 winner Media Puzzle, 2006 runner-up Pop Rock and 2007 runner-up Purple Moon.

''He [Warringah] probably lacks the class of some of the other ones I've ridden but in saying that he's got a significant weight drop than what he's been carrying in the UK,'' he said.

Two starts back Warringah carried 61.5kg when he ran a close fifth in the Ebor (2816m) at York in August, recognised as England's major staying handicap, but he has only 52.5kg tomorrow.

''He's a big horse so he won't know himself with that kind of weight on him,'' Oliver said.

Warringah, who drew barrier 17 in the 24-horse field was at $20 with ACTTAB Sportsbet yesterday.

AAP