Australia's great race has lured English trainer Roger Charlton to Melbourne for just the second time.

Charlton's first visit came 46 years ago when he arrived as a "10 pound Pom" and he has returned for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup to saddle Quest For More at Flemington.

It was a long trip for the trainer who was at the Breeders' Cup meeting in Kentucky where Time Test finished out of the money on Sunday morning (AEDT) before arriving in Melbourne on Monday.

"It's exciting to be here," Charlton said.

"The last time I was here was 46 years ago. I stayed here for about 18 months, went back and eventually started training.

"It's nice to have a horse that gets into the Cup."

It was Charlton's good friend Luca Cumani, who has had 11 previous Cup runners for two placings, who suggested Quest For More was a likely type for the Cup.

Quest For More's UK form suggests he has claims as it ties in with that of Caulfield Cup runner-up Trip To Paris and fellow foreign raiders Max Dynamite and Big Orange.

He is, however, one of three outsiders at $101 for the race after beating just one runner home in the Geelong Cup.

"I think he came out of the race a bit sore but he's now moving better than ever with a little help from the vets," Charlton said.

"I'm quietly confident that he'll run well but it's not a great draw in 21."

Charlton is no stranger to big race success with the 1990 English Derby (Quest For Fame) and the 1991 French Derby (Sanglamore) among his major wins.

"I think everybody wants to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup," he said.

"Just like having a runner in the English Derby or any other big race."