Godolphin runner Oceanographer has confirmed himself as a Melbourne Cup starter after producing a huge turn of foot to win the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington this afternoon.

Oceanographer produced a big turn of foot to win the Group 3 Lexus Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Oceanographer had to win the Lexus Stakes to be guaranteed a position in Tuesday’s race that stops a nation, but jockey Kerrin McEvoy elected to take a sit on the British raider from the gates this afternoon as Tom Melbourne and Black Tomahawk led the field past the post the first time.

Settling into a great rhythm at the tail of the field over the back straight as Tom Melbourne opened a four length gap on the field, the Sea The Stars gelding appeared to simply be too far off the pace upon arriving at the final straight to win, but mustered a particularly scintillating turn of foot to catch the OTI Racing runner with only 50m to spare.

“The stable said just try and time the run, because he’s perfect when he has something to aim at,” McEvoy said.

“He was steady early, just nice and relaxed in the back half but I was pretty wrapped when I straightened up because I know I would be finishing.

“I had Tom Melbourne to aim at so I was pretty happy at the 100m.”

Trainer Charlie Appleby was on hand for Oceanographer’s classy win in the Lexus Stakes and is thrilled to have a second runner, alongside Geelong Cup winner Qewy confirmed in the 2016 Melbourne Cup field.

“Kerrin’s given a fantastic ride. He basically went out there and told us what he was going to do, and he’s just on fire,” Appleby said after the Lexus Stakes.

“I just thought that the track would suit him more than Geelong did, because he had just lost his balance coming around the turn, but to be fair Qewy had kicked and made a proper gallop of it.

“Whatever he does, they’ve done us proud and owe us nothing, and we can go and hopefully put up another day on Tuesday and enjoy ourselves.

“They’re all thriving out here. This sunshine will dot hem the power of good, we’ll get them back and freshen them up as much as we can and will look forward to Tuesday.”

Australian-trained Godolphin runner Tally boxed on for third in Lexus Stakes results, while the Danny O’Brien-trained De Little Engine is likely to just miss the Melbourne Cup following a spirited performance for fourth.

Oceanographer has firmed into Melbourne Cup odds of $8 with Ladbrokes.com.au following his Lexus Stakes win.

2016 Lexus Stakes Results