Steady rain in the build-up to the Melbourne Cup is expected to play into the hands of top contenders Half Yours and Al Riffa at Flemington.

Track manager Liam O’Keeffe has predicted horses could be racing on a soft 6 surface by Cup time, with conditions in the morning to determine whether the course is upgraded.

The Bureau Of Meteorology has forecast a slight clearing before the 24-horse field jumps in the race that stops a nation at 3pm (AEDT).

Melbourne’s inclement weather on Monday was a far cry from the sunshine that bathed the racecourse for Saturday’s Victoria Derby day meeting.

But it perfectly suited Half Yours’ co-trainer Calvin McEvoy, who joked he would be doing a “rain dance” after the local hope drew perfectly in barrier eight.

“Love it. Bring it on,” McEvoy said of

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