Bart Cummings kept a low profile at his first Melbourne Cup for some time and let his horse do the talking.

Trained by Cummings for his first three Cup runs, Precedence lined up for his fourth on Tuesday for the master and his partner, grandson James.

As if he knew the boss was close by, the nine-year-old ran sixth, his best Cup finish yet.

Cummings, who turns 87 in three weeks, has won a record 12 Melbourne Cups, but James was in his first as a trainer.

"I can't believe it. It's marvellous," James said.

"At the 300 metres he wasn't even on the screen and look at him.

"Who knows? We might be even be back with him next year."

And hopefully his senior trainer will be there too.