Trainer John O'Shea is relying on a famous modern-day Caulfield Cup triumph as a blueprint for success with cleverly named stable star Benaud.
Benaud is one of the favourites for the $5 million race, although his chances have seemingly suffered a setback after drawing the widest gate.
But O'Shea is hoping Benaud can channel Dunaden's win in 2012 after the French stayer came from the same outside barrier.
"Hopefully we can replicate that sort of performance with the same sort of run in transit," O'Shea told RSN.
Benaud is named for Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud.
The stayer's dam is Baggy Green and she will also be represented by the Chris Waller-trained No Compromise in the first leg of racing's big spring Cups double.
Benaud is the younger of the siblings but he is the more fancied after finishing off the Might And Power Stakes in eye-catching style at Caulfield last week.
The four-year-old has been committed to a seven-day back-up in a preparation that mirrors what he did before returning a career-best rating when runner-up in the ATC Australian Derby in the autumn.
Track officials assessed the Caulfield surface in the heavy range after a Friday afternoon inspection.
Testing conditions will suit Benaud but O'Shea said stablemate Maximal would most likely be saved for another day if there is not a significant improvement in the track.
"I'm probably less inclined to run (Maximal) ... Benaud has always been effective on heavy ground," O'Shea said. "It won't worry him."
Benaud is a $9 chance in a quote that puts him on the second line of Cup betting behind clear-cut favourite Smokin' Romans ($3.90).
If Maximal is withdrawn, O'Shea said he would like to give the import his chance to contest the prestigious WS Cox Plate at Moonee Valley next week.
Waiting for a decision on Maximal will be Australia's champion trainer Waller, who has Durston listed as the first emergency.
Great House and Crystal Pegasus join No Compromise as Waller's certain Caulfield Cup representation.
Waller and O'Shea will be chasing $20 million in prize money within an hour on Saturday with runners in the Caulfield Cup and $15 million Everest.
Nature Strip is attempting back-to-back Everest wins for Waller while O'Shea has Lost And Running ready to improve on his fourth placing in 2021.
