KEY POINTS:
Luca Cumani is a relieved man. The UK-based, Italian-bred master horse-trainer has managed to divert almost all media attention away from himself as he prepares the Melbourne Cup third favourite Purple Moon for today's big race.
Most of that goes on to Cumani's daughter Francesca.
She says she's at home in gumboots back in England, but if you believe that you'll think the A$5 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is run in Darwin.
Francesca Cumani could easily double as a Myers Melbourne Cup week model.
At the end of the formal session of Sunday morning's international press conference, Luca Cumani had a handful of journalists around him.
They were four deep around his daughter. Some of those were even asking questions about Purple Moon.
But Francesca Cumani is not just eye candy, she knows her stuff about horses.
She rides at the track and has an intense interest.
She's aware of the interest in her and is also very aware of the overall interest in horse racing by Australians.
"My father and I thought that England was unique in the scale of public support that racing enjoys.
"Now, on our second visit here, it has dawned on us that actually the Aussies are almost more passionate about this great sport than the Brits."
She says the love of her life is "George" - Purple Moon - and she can't even think what she would do if something went physically wrong with him during today's cup.
Purple Moon was yesterday a $10 chance to win the cup, with the Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly the clear favourite at $5.50.
Bookmakers have New Zealand mare Princess Coup as a solidly supported $11 chance after her slashing and luckless second in Saturday's A$750,000 Mackinnon Stakes.
At 52, her New Zealand jockey, Noel Harris, is the oldest in the cup. The youngest, Sebastian Murphy, is 17.
Lisa Cropp will ride New Zealander Sculptor, having sneaked him into the race with a lovely ride to win Saturday's SAAB Quality. The $31 about Sculptor looks over the odds.
For the first time two women jockeys will compete in a Melbourne Cup - South Australia's Clare Lindop will ride outsider Dolphin Jo.
Fine weather and a strong wind in Melbourne yesterday dried out much of the weekend's heavy rain.
Oh, and Francesca Cumani asks that you all cross your fingers at 5pm for Purple Moon.
