If Dunaden wins his second Melbourne Cup, or if Gai Waterhouse wins her first with Fiorente, or if Red Cadeaux gains revenge for last year's closest of second placings, it will count as another victory of sorts for Australia's champion racehorse Black Caviar.
All three of the imported horses have used the special travelling suit Black Caviar wore on her trip to England earlier this year after trainer Peter Moody spotted her injury-prone rival Hay List in one and immediately placed an order.
And all of their trainers have praised the lycra creation as a bonus in getting the horses to Melbourne in better condition than usual.
The latest to sing the suit's praises is Ed Dunlop who is on his second Cup mission with Red Cadeaux.
"I've no doubt that he looks better this year," Dunlop said.
"We've been using one of these suits that Black Caviar has made famous and I'm impressed.
"It seems to warm the muscles up before exercising and it seems to be helping his coat as well.
"It didn't do Black Caviar any harm."
Dunaden's trainer Mikel Delzangles has also employed the equine cat suit on the trip to Australia and says he believes there is a distinct advantage when travelling.
Gai Waterhouse's keen eye for horses and fashion led her to have Fiorente fitted before he left England.
"He arrived here looking a million dollars," she said.
"There seems to be some advantage. We'll thank Black Caviar when we win."
AAP TURF mh/c