Dom Tourneur had the winning post in sight with 100 metres to run but had to settle for second place in Saturday's Caulfield Cup.

But the Adelaide-based jockey could at least console himself with the fact he was beaten by "the best mile-and-a-half horse in the world".

Tourneur was travelling sweetly as the field approached the home turn, and sensing his biggest danger was poised to strike right behind him, he made a move and went for home.

Alcopop responded and charged to the lead in the straight in the $2.5 million race only for French horse Dunaden and champion jockey Craig Williams to sail past as the winning post loomed.

"Unfortunately we were beaten by the best mile-and-a-half horse in the world," the jockey said.

"We put him there to win on the corner. He let down good with his light weight (52.5kg) and I made Dunaden chase with his 58 kilos. But he was too good."

Alcopop's trainer Jake Stephens said it was an "amazing" effort from his horse.

"When he hit the front I thought, can he hang on?" Stephens said.

"Dom had to go when he did and it was a massive run. Dunaden is a world-class horse.

"It was a phenomenal run (from Alcopop) and such a good thrill to see him go so well in a big race like this."

Alcopop is not entered for the Melbourne Cup so Stephens doesn't have to worry about trying to turn the tables on Dunaden.

"Off that you'd think (Dunaden) will be getting the double," Stephens said.

AAP