A frustrating spring sequence of second placings has ended for trainer Tony Gollan on the biggest stage of all with Hijack Hussy's win at Flemington.

Brisbane's premier trainer, best known for his success with sprinters, did not have a Melbourne Cup runner on Tuesday but was excited to be able to watch the race from the winner's room.

Hijack Hussy won the Lexus Hybrid Plate (1400m), the race before the Cup, when she got the better of Sea Spray by three-quarters of a length.

"I haven't been in the winners' room all spring. It has been frustrating with five seconds," Gollan said.

"What a day to finally bring up a win.

"She is a very good filly and we will take her home now and get her ready for the Magic Millions in January."

Gollan's second placings have been with Looks Like The Cat twice, Traveston Girl, Alma's Fury and Group One winner Temple Of Boom who takes on one of the best sprint fields ever assembled in Saturday's Darley Classic.

"He is well but it looks like being the race of the spring so it won't be easy," Gollan said.