The trainer of equal favourite Marmelo says the stayer ran flat and below expectations in the Melbourne Cup.

British trainer Hughie Morrison said his first thoughts were the five-year-old didn't stay the 3200m of Tuesday's race.

Sent out a heavily backed $7 equal favourite with last year's Cup winner Almandin, who finished 12th, Marmelo was up riding the pace before weakening in the home straight to finish ninth.

"You would have to say on the form, he's run flat," Morrison said.

"In my book he was beaten too far out.

"We were beaten two furlongs out and that's not him."

Marmelo was heavily supported on the strength of his sixth placing in last month's Caulfield Cup although his trainer was wary pre-race.

"He ran too well last time out," Morrison said.

"He runs well fresh and I always err on the side of caution."

Morrison said Marmelo is the right horse for the Melbourne Cup and said he would try his hardest to convince the owners to return for another shot next year.

Tuesday's outing was only his 12th start.

"He'll be a year older, he's only run in 12 races," Morrison said.

"He's definitely the right horse for the race as he does stay.

"He looked like he didn't stay but hopefully we'll be back again next year."