Malaguerra was the only horse to run twice over the four days of the Flemington Carnival, and won both times, he won on Melbourne Cup day and again on the final day.

It was quite common, years ago, to see horses complete their preparation for the Melbourne Cup in the weight for age Mackinnon Stakes, formerly known as the Melbourne Stakes.

However, modern day trainers have taken a different approach to Cup preparations, generally they are now well wound up before Derby Day, with the odd exception.

Malaguerra, by Magnus, has had a complete turnaround, since being gelded he has won four races on the trot, plus his pedigree is somewhat intriguing.

His dam, Tennessee Morn, has to be close to the last living mare by Bletchingly, she is now 24 years of age being foaled in 1991, she has missed over the past four seasons and patience is now beginning to wear thin.

Bletchingly was an amazing sire during his lifetime at Widden, he was champion sire three times between 1979 and 1983, sire of the triple Cox Plate success Kingston Town, the first million dollar stake earner in Australia.