EMIRATES STAKES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

HISTORY:

* Million-dollar 1600m race, final Group One event of the Melbourne Cup carnival

* Bart Cummings has trained six winners

* Notable winners: Aquanita (1960-61), Wenona Girl (1963), Storm Queen (1966), Vain (1969), Gunsynd (1971), Better Loosen Up (1989), Testa Rossa (2000)

* Nikita Beriman (Tears I Cry, $101, 2007) first female jockey to win a Group One race in Victoria

TALKING POINTS:

* Trainer Chris Waller (Bull Point, I’m Imposing) attempting third win in four years

* Godolphin import Contributer among favourites

* Hooked trying to be first horse since Dazzling Duke in 1985 to claim Crystal Mile-Emirates double

RESULTS FROM PAST 25 YEARS

* Outsiders have done well: 12 winners at $15 and over, including Tears I Cry

* Best winning barriers: 1 (4 wins) and 9 (3 wins)

* Testa Rossa carried 59kg. River Lad and The Cleaner share 58kg topweight

RACE ANALYSIS

PATTERN: The Cleaner expected to work his way to front. Hooked likes to race close to speed and is assured of an economical run. Hucklebuck is drawn to settle in a prominent spot and Honorius and Leebaz will take up forward spots

FANCIED RUNNERS: Contributer made short work of his Caulfield rivals at Australian debut. Huckleback yet to win at 1600m or Group One level but hard to fault Flemington win on Derby Day. Stipulate seems best placed at this distance

BEST OF THE OUTSIDERS: The Cleaner seems to be over the odds at $15. Made to do too much work in Cox Plate ninth. WFA winner at this distance in Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes three starts ago

EARLY BETTING: Contributer well-backed to keep unbeaten Australian record.