Elhaame will make a last-ditch effort to get into the Melbourne Cup start when he runs in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington.

The Godolphin stayer has not passed the first ballot clause for next Tuesday's race and needs to win on Saturday to gain an automatic start.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor said Elhaame could potentially run in both races while stablemate, Secret Number, also an entrant in the Lexus, would be saved for the Cup.

If Secret Number fails to make the field for which is 27th in the order of entry, he will be saved for the Queen's Plate on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Godolphin already has Sky Hunter, to be ridden by William Buick, safely in the Cup field.

The Godolphin trainer said Elhaame was capable of backing up twice in the space of three days.

"Secret Number I don't think can handle that, Saturday to Tuesday, it would be too much for him," bin Suroor said.

The trainer has a high opinion of Elhaame, who will be ridden by Brad Rawiller on Saturday, but will need a new jockey if he makes the Cup field.

"Elhaame is a much better horse this time than when he was in England, physically, the way he looks and the way he trains," bin Suroor said.

"He has 50 kilograms (in the Cup) and we'll find somebody, but first we just need him to win the race."

Both Elhaame and Secret Number have impressed the trainer with the way they have travelled and settled in at the Werribee quarantine centre.