Leon Corstens can see no better way of preparing New Zealander Zabeelionaire for next week's Melbourne Cup than following the proven formula of his former boss Bart Cummings.

That means running the four-year-old in the $1 million Group One Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.

Zabeelionaire already has a berth in the Cup via his victory in the South Australian Derby last May, but Corstens feels his horse will benefit from the tactics used by the most successful Cup trainer.

"That was the golden rule. They'd run in either the McKinnon or the Herbert Power," Corstens said.

"I was lucky enough to work with him through quite a few of the Cups (winning) horses.

"Let's Elope, Gold and Black, Think Big...most of his ran in the McKinnon.

"I think what's good for him is good for me. I thought Bart was a genius."

Corstens believes the run will sharpen Zabeelionaire for the $6.2 million Cup.

"It will help the horse settle down a lot better for Tuesday, he'll have a run under his belt, he'll get plenty of mileage in his legs," he said.

Corstens is not unhappy with barrier six but is concerned about Cox Plate winner Ocean Park.

"He's (Zabeelionaire) going to get plenty of room which should give me a good indication," he said.

"He's going to settle down nicely and hopefully he should have as much room as he likes at the finish.

"The Cox Plate winner is going to be very hard to beat but you never know how they are going to back up.

"All you can do is keep hoping."

Zabeelionaire does not need to run a place in the Mackinnon for Corstens to be satisfied - but he will need to go close.

"He'd have to run in the first four for me to be really happy," he said.