Bookmakers shortened the odds on the five-year-old winning the Flemington 3,200-metre handicap to 4-1 from 9-2 as punters from around the world bet heavily on the eve of the race.

Frankie Dettori: "I believe he's the best horse in the race"

One of Australia's largest bookmaking firms reported it had taken large bets from gamblers in Britain, Asia and the Middle East while one Australian punter waged A$50,000 on the gelding at Monday's traditional call of the card.

Faithful Son, who is prepared by Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

The horse was promoted to favourite after running well at his only Australian start on October 17 to finish fourth in the 2,400 metre Caulfield Cup, the main lead-up race to Melbourne.

The biggest concern surrounding Faithful Son, however, is that he is untried over the distance.

"It's definitely a worry as he is not bred to run that far," Dettori said.

"But he's a big horse and has a great long stride and I believe he's the best horse in the race."

International flavour

Faithful Son is among a record five British runners in the race. The others, Persian Punch, Taufan's Melody, Sheer Danzig and Yorkshire, have also been well supported in the betting.

There are also two Singaporean entries and two from New Zealand.

The inclusion of so many foreign horses has given the Melbourne Cup a genuine international flavour but has upset leading Australian trainers. They have accused race organisers of giving places to overseas runners at the expense of locals with better credentials.

Australia's best hopes of winning this year's Cup lie in Doriemus, Tie The Knot and Arena.

Doriemus is one of Australia's greatest stayers. He won the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double in 1995 and was beaten in a photo-finish for last year's race.