Big Memory has a win over Protectionist but his trainer rues the fact he didn't get the chance to test his staying credentials in the Melbourne Cup.

The Tony McEvoy-trained five-year-old won the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) in the spring in which Protectionist finished fourth.

The victory earned Big Memory a spot in the Caulfield Cup but was not enough for him to make the field for the Melbourne Cup won by Protectionist.

The two will lock horns in Saturday's Sydney Cup and although McEvoy admits the 3200 metres is a query, along with the quality of the field, he is convinced Big Memory can do well.

"We tried him over 3200 metres in the Adelaide Cup last year but he is a better horse now," McEvoy said.

"The distance is a query and it is the strongest Sydney Cup for a number of years but it will determine where I go with him in the spring.

"He was one outside the field for the Melbourne Cup and yet he got into the Caulfield Cup."

At the time, McEvoy was among those trainers calling for emergencies to be declared for the Melbourne Cup.

To add to his angst, two horses were scratched from the Group One handicap.

If Big Memory can perform well on Saturday against a field which also includes Melbourne Cup third placegetter Who Shot Thebarman, he will be targeted at Australia's most famous race.

Aiding his cause is the booking of three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss who was dumped from Who Shot Thebarman in favour of Blake Shinn.

Hartnell is the dominant favourite for the Sydney Cup at $2.20 with the TAB ahead of Who Shot Thebarman at $4.20 and Protectionist at $5.

Hong Kong's Dominant is $11 with Big Memory next at $14.

Former German horse Protectionist has had three runs this autumn for new trainer Kris Lees who believes he will show his best over the 3200 metres.

"They told me he would not be effective until he reached the two miles but we thought we might be able to get him to win over shorter," Lees said.

"He is very well and I expect him to show that over the distance."

Craig Williams rides Protectionist while Hugh Bowman is without a mount because of the decision to run three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.