David Hayes is pleased that sole entrant Almoonqith has drawn into the 2016 Melbourne Cup field in an outside barrier, and is confident that the horse is primed for a big performance at Flemington on Tuesday.

A capacity 2016 Melbourne Cup field of twenty-four was confirmed following the Derby Day card at Flemington on Saturday, before Almoonqith was allocated barrier 19 for his run in the world’s richest two-mile race.

Hayes’ daughter Sophie appeared taken back by the wide gate after selecting the alley on Saturday evening, but David told the media that he is pleased that the six-year-old will start towards the outside of the Melbourne Cup field, in what will be his second attempt at the feature race.

“It’s a plan that came off. At Talaq (1986 Melbourne Cup winner) drew five from the outside which is exactly the same as this horse, and last year Ben drew a showy barrier and they’re still trying to get out,” Hayes said.

“I’d prefer to be out in the Melbourne Cup.

“I think Flemington by race 15 of the carnival, three-wide with cover is where you want to be.

“He ran the best last 200m in the Caulfield Cup and had no luck, he drew in.”

Almoonqith began his racing career in France during the late stages of 2012, but was transferred to the care of Mike De Kock prior to his 2014 campaign and was set for a year-long preparation in the middle-east.

Transferred again to the Lindsay Park operation prior to the 2015 Spring Carnival, the Dynaformer entire placed fifth in his first Australian start; the Sweeney Estate Agents Handicap (1500m) and continued to improve through his next few hit-outs.

Rated only an outsider when he lined up for the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), Almoonqith produced a huge turn of foot to beat a classy field by two lengths, but was completely luckless when eighteenth in the Melbourne Cup.

Proving that he is capable at two miles when ending his year with another strong win in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m), Almoonqith was unable to return to winning form through four autumn starts and returned to the paddock after placing fifth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m).

Taking three runs to find form upon resuming this time, the six-year-old savaged the line for fourth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) a fortnight ago and has reportedly taken plenty of benefit from the run.

Almoonqith will be partnered by Michael Walker on Tuesday, will carry 54.5kgs and is currently available at 2016 Melbourne Cup odds of $21 with Ladbrokes.com.au.