English rider Ryan Moore will take over on Caulfield Cup runner-up Dandino in the Melbourne Cup in a swap with Craig Williams.

In an intriguing switch, Williams, who rode Dandino at Caulfield, will be aboard another international, Mount Athos, the horse Ryan piloted into an unlucky fifth place in last year's Cup.

Dandino's rattling Caulfield Cup second to Fawkner in his first Australian start on Saturday has pushed him into second favouritism at $6.50 behind the $6 favourite Fiorente and most importantly he has come through the race in perfect order.

His handler Paul Francis said Dandino had coped well with the pressure of the race and the atmosphere of his biggest day at the races.

"He's only dropped seven kilos which with that heat and the atmosphere is pretty amazing," Francis said.

Francis said Dandino returned with a couple of minor battle scars, but nothing that will cause any problem and would resume his Cup preparation early this week.

He also came out of the Caulfield Cup with an enhanced reputation.

After starting form barrier 15, Dandino settled among the last few and still had most of the field ahead of him at the 600m where jockey Craig Williams began his run.

"The pair were the widest of all in the straight with Dandino still giving plenty on the line.

"The way he finished I think he'll be suited by the extra distance in the Melbourne Cup, no problem," Francis said.

Fellow international Simenon, who finished third in the Herbert Power Handicap at his first Australian run, continues to work well at Werribee, but he may struggle to make the Cup field.

The English stayer is 31st in order of entry with few defectors having emerged since Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller could provide an opportunity if he decides to miss the Cup with Royal Descent.

Waller's two confirmed Melbourne Cup runners are Hawkspur and Kellini with the newly-arrived import Opinion to be tested first in possibly the Moonee Valley Cup.

The premier Sydney trainer said Moriarty will run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the final day of the Flemington carnival while Sacred Falls and Foreteller will have their plans finalised after galloping at Moonee Valley on Tuesday.