Hawkes Racing pair carrying local hopes in 2012 Melbourne Cup

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes says his stable's two runners can again fly the flag for the locals in Tuesday's Group I Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

Maluckyday chased home Americain when second in the 2010 edition of the great race while Niwot was the first Australian-bred stayer home when eighth to Dunaden last year.

Maluckyday is the highest-ranked local in betting at $13 while Niwot is a $51 hope but Hawkes, who trains the pair with his father John and brother Michael, said both horses have realistic chances of repelling the European challenge.

Hawkes said Maluckyday's barrier (nine) gave him a slight edge over Niwot while the son of Zabeel's 53.5kg handicap gave the stable cause for optimism.

"It's certainly a winner's barrier, that's for sure and certain," Hawkes said.

"It's a matter for (jockey) Jim (Cassidy) to use the good barrier and get in a good rhythm and for him to just keep whacking away as he does."

The son of Zabeel ran terrific closing sectionals but finished fifth to Gatewoodin a farcically-run Geelong Cup (2400m) last month. Hawkes said there would be no chance of a slowly-run Melbourne Cup, which would suit Maluckyday.

"The trot and canter and sprint home meant he was always going to run unbelievable closing sectionals but that won't happen in a Melbourne Cup," Hawkes said.

"Probably 1000 (metres) from home, blokes will start to get a bit jittery and away they will go."

Hawkes said Niwot fell short of expectations when 12th in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) but the jump to 3200 metres in the Melbourne Cup would help the Galileo gelding improve on his last effort.

"He's progressing perfectly," Hawkes said. "He had an off day in the Caulfield Cup, which was disappointing but he hadn't had a run since the Caulfield Cup.

"He has gone straight into the Melbourne Cup but he looks great."

Dwayne Dunn has the ride on Niwot, who won this year's Sydney Cup, in the Melbourne Cup.

Story: Brad Waters RaceNet