On a day honouring the memory of the man who made the Melbourne Cup famous, the Cummings family name is once again to the fore.

James Cummings, the grandson of 12-time Cup winning trainer Bart, has trained Zarzali to win the 1700m mares race at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.

Racing in the black and white checked colours made famous by Dato Tan Chin Nam's two Cup winners Saintly and Viewed, Zarzali ($2.80 fav) fought hard over the final 200 metres to stave off the challenge from Precious Gem ($6.50) by a neck.

Bart Cummings, who trained both Saintly and Viewed for Dato Tan along with Think Big who won the Cup twice, died two months ago aged 87.

"It's a very emotional day and we are all very appreciative of the tributes to Bart," James Cummings said.

"I think perhaps someone was smiling from above.

"She is a good fighter and she may back up on Saturday in the Matriarch Stakes as long as she comes through this race.

"And it's great to win with these colours. She is actually owned by Dato Tan's son, Tan Boon Seng, who is continuing the family interest in horse racing."

Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss, who doesn't have a ride in the race this year, said he was proud to wear the colours.

"They've been synonymous with Cup day and synonymous with Flemington," he said.

"So it's really good for James and the people, owners who have been supporting the Cummings stable for all those years."