Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup will roll the dice at Flemington, with Jedibeel heading south to contest the VRC Champions Sprint (1200m) on the final day of Melbourne Cup week.

The Savabeel gelding is set for his first Victorian appearance at start number 25, having steadily risen through the ranks in Sydney and securing Stakes success on two occasions.

Jedibeel took out the Listed Razor Sharp Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last December before adding the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) in March.

Since then, he has contested three Group 1 sprints, finishing down the track each time, including his most recent run in The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 18.

Despite those results, Widdup insists Jedibeel has been in outstanding shape throughout his preparation.

“He has been really good all preparation,” Widdup said.

“I had to scratch him from his first scheduled run, but since then he’s been good. He ran great in The Everest.”

Jedibeel bypassed last Saturday’s Russell Balding Stakes (1300m), with Widdup preferring not to waste a run from a disadvantageous draw.

“He just drew awkwardly in the big field, and I didn’t want to waste a run,” he said.

“He gets a trip away to Melbourne now and we’ll see what happens.”

The straight course is new territory, but Widdup is optimistic.

“It should suit him,” Widdup said.

“He has worked the Victorian way quite a bit, but up the straight is a bit different again. If he can stalk them and get out late, I’m sure he’ll run on strongly.”

If you’re having a bet on the Champions Sprint, compare odds via the Australian betting sites list.