There is less than a week to go before the 2010 Melbourne Cup ‘stops the nation’ at 3pm (AEDST) on Tuesday November 2 at Flemington, and with rain predicted Irish trainer Dermot Weld is all smiles with his classy mare Profound Beauty suited to a softer track.

Two years ago Profound Beauty finished fifth behind Viewed in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, a gallant performance from the daughter of Danehill forced to race on an unsuitably firm track.

This year things look more in favour of the now seven-year-old, Profound Beauty back to tackle the world’s richest handicap as Weld vies for his third Melbourne Cup win.

Weld is the only European trainer to prepare a Melbourne Cup winner, having twice taken out the famous Flemington feature with Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002).

So with a soft Flemington track predicted for the 150^th Melbourne Cup Tuesday week, can Profound Beauty become the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner?

Horse Facts – Profound Beauty

• Jockey: Regular rider Pat Smullen will travel to Australia to take the Melbourne Cup mount on Profound Beauty
• Trainer: Dermot K Weld
• Owners: Moyglare Stud Farm
• Age: 7YO
• Gender: Mare
• Breeding: by Danehill (USA) from Diamond Trim (IRE)
• Career:20-9-4-3
• Prize Money: $931,849
• Current Melbourne Cup Odds: $19 Luxbet

Sitting ninth on the order of entry, Profound Beauty is assured of a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup Field and is one of the top international fancies currently paying $19 at Luxbet.

Profound Beauty has been in career best form this season enjoying a succession of successful runs overseas.

In July she took out the Challenge Stakes (2800m) and then backed up with a win in the Ballyroan Stakes (2400m) at Leopardstown.

Following her back-to-back Group wins, Profound Beauty ran a strong second in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2800m) behind Sans Frontieres at her last start on September 11.

Now the $6 million Melbourne Cup awaits and on a rain-affected track with plenty of give, Profound Beauty has genuine claims.

Jockey Pat Smullen will continue his association with the talented Profound Beauty, taking the mount on her in the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

Smullen, arriving in Australia from overseas today, has run in three Melbourne Cups aboard Vinnie Roe finishing second, fourth and eighth.

“If there are a few showers and the ground comes up nice I think we will have a massive chance,” Smullen said about Profound Beauty in the Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Cup Odds for Profound Beauty are set to shorten following the final field and barrier draw for the Cup on Saturday, so get in now to lock her in at the best price through Luxbet!