DAVID Hayes is confident Almoonqith is in the right condition to run a big race in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday week.

“He’s had the right preparation,’’ Hayes said on Sunday. “I’m really happy with him and his run in the Caulfield Cup was just what I wanted to see.”

Almoonqith ran on strongly to finish fourth in the Caulfield Cup, recording the fastest last 200m in the race, 11.92sec.

He has firmed from $35 to $17 for the Melbourne Cup with TAB since that run last Saturday week.

Last year Almoonqith finished 18th in the Melbourne Cup but was one of several runners skittled in the straight.

“He then came out and won the Sandown Classic which showed how well he was going,” Hayes said.

Hayes said this spring he had given Almoonqith a different preparation, knowing the seven-year-old was assured of a start in the Melbourne Cup. He will carry 53.5kg.

“Last year we had to get him fit enough to qualify, which he did by winning the Geelong Cup,’’ he said. “This preparation I’ve been able to time it so he peaks in the Melbourne Cup.”

Hayes said Almoonqith needed a lot of work to get fit and it took time.

“I thought his Bart Cummings run was sound and that topped him off nicely for the Caulfield Cup and he’ll peak in the Melbourne Cup, he said.

Almoonqith has been prepared for the Cup from Hayes’ Euroa property.

Michael Walker will take the ride.

“I have a lot of respect for Jameka and Hartnell and I can’t get my head around the internationals, but I think he’s up to this,” Hayes said.

The trainer has decided to run Seaburge in Saturday’s 1600m Longines Mile (formerly Emirates Stakes) at Flemington rather than the Victoria Derby on the same day.

“I didn’t want to stretch him out this campaign to 2500m,’’ Hayes said.

“Also if he was to win, I would think it would enhance his value as a stallion more than winning a Derby would.”

Hayes will also run Toorak Handicap winner He’s Our Rokkii run in the Mile.

He said both horses were still in the 2000m Emirates Stakes (formerly Mackinnon) the following Saturday.