Gai Waterhouse's bid for her first Melbourne Cup steps up a gear on Friday when her major contenders run in barrier trials at Randwick.

As is now the prevailing pattern in Australia, all are former European stayers bought with the Cup and other major distance events in mind.

Fiorente had his first start for Waterhouse in the 2012 Melbourne Cup in which he ran second to Green Moon and at his only autumn run he was an eye-catching third to All Too Hard in the All Aged Stakes after copping early interference.

He runs in a 1200m heat while Glencadam Gold and new acquisition Michelangelo run over 1400m along with Carlton House, the horse owned by the Queen.

Glencadam Gold has already accomplished a Australian Group One win in the Metropolitan last spring and he also ran sixth in the Melbourne Cup.

Waterhouse has trained more than 100 Group One winners - her first Te Akau Nick in the 1992 Metropolitan - but the Melbourne Cup has eluded her.

Te Akau Nick ran second in 1993 and Nothin' Leica Dane was also runner-up in 1995 to Doreimus.

Michelangelo was formerly prepared by John Gosden who sent him to the races five times for two wins including a 2213m Listed event at Goodwood at his second start.

His final race in England produced a third in the St Leger behind Godolphin's Encke and Camelot from the Coolmore team.

Both barrier trials are scheduled for the Randwick course proper along with an 800m heat featuring Hay List who is being prepared for another comeback.

The triple Group One-winning sprinter was given a break after finishing out of the placings in the TJ Smith won by Black Caviar at Randwick in April.

A troublesome and ongoing hoof injury thwarted Hay List's autumn but McNair is confident he can get the giant gelding back to Group One-winning form with the Manikato Stakes in October the target.

He is pencilled in to start his campaign in the Missile Stakes in August before tackling sprints in Melbourne.