Marco Botti believes Dandino is the "perfect horse" for next month's Melbourne Cup after seeing his charge run a fantastic race to fill the runner-up spot behind Fawkner in the Caulfield Cup.

Making his Australian debut under Craig Williams, who was chasing his third successive Caulfield Cup triumph, Dandino was dropped out towards the rear in the early stages of the 2400m Group One contest.

He began to make headway heading down the back straight, but found himself behind a wall of horses and Williams was forced to switch wide to deliver his challenge at the top of the home straight.

Once in the clear, Dandino fairly rattled home, but it was all too late as the Robert Hickmott-trained Fawkner held on to claim victory in the hands of Nicholas Hall.

While bemoaning his luck, Newmarket-based Botti was understandably delighted with Dandino's performance.

"We are thrilled with the horse. It was a great performance and he ran a huge race," Botti said.

"He flew home in the straight and I think he showed he was the best horse in the race. With a bit more luck in running, he probably would have won.

"You would have to say after that run he looks the perfect horse for the (Melbourne) Cup."