Jockey Hugh Bowman believes the Winx form around Humidor makes the Cox Plate runner-up a huge danger in the Melbourne Cup 2017 to his mount Marmelo.

Humidor (outside) is a genuine 2017 Melbourne Cup hope if he sees out the two miles according to Winx hoop Hugh Bowman. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Darren Weir-trained Humidor skyrocketed into second favouritism in futures betting on next Tuesday’s Group 1 $6.25 million Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) after his gutsy run behind Chris Waller’s superlative mare at weight-for-age last Saturday.

Atoning for the distant third when taking on Winx for the first time in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), and backing-up off a fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), Humidor ran the race of his life giving Winx a genuine late challenge for her third win in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m).

Bowman was on Winx for her 22^nd straight turf triumph and knew Humidor was hot on his heels at The Valley.

“I must admit, I was surprised to see him that close,” Bowman told Racing Victoria.

“And there was no fluke about it, he’s a serious animal and we put a space on the third horse [Folkswood].”

The hoop also knows the Teofilo five-year-old could be right there challenging again at Flemington on November 7 in the Melbourne Cup field should Humidor run out the 3200m of the world’s richest handicap.

“If he can stay the 3200m then he’s a big chance,” he said.

“Any horse that can get that close to Winx when she’s at her best is worthy of respect in any race but he has to get the trip.”

Humidor gets into the Melbourne Cup field with 56kg and is as yet untested over further than 2400m.

Bowman is booked to partner the Hughie Morrison-trained British raider Marmelo, retaining the ride after the stallion’s eye-catching sixth in the Caulfield Cup on October 21.

First-up down under off the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay Stakes (3000m) win in France back in August, Marmelo ran the fastest final Caulfield Cup sectionals to dead heat for sixth with Abbey Marie in the mile and half showdown.

It was the ideal Melbourne Cup lead-up, the dour stayer always more suited stepping up to the two miles of the ‘Race That Stops A Nation’.

“He half missed the start [in the Caulfield Cup] and I didn’t want to drive him mad but next week I expect him to be closer in the run,” Bowman said.

“His form suggests he’s much better over a bit further than the 2400m – I’m expecting a big run from him.”

Bowman rode Marmelo again on Thursday morning at Werribee and was pleased with the final serious piece of trackwork from the son of Duke Of Marmalade.

“He’s right where you’d want him,” he said.

“I hadn’t sat on him since before the Caulfield Cup and he feels as though he’s improved.”

Currently it is the Lloyd Williams-owned reigning champion Almandin leading Melbourne Cup odds at Ladbrokes.com.au, the import at $6.50 to go back-to-back for the first time since the Makybe Diva three-peat (2003-05).

Equal $8.50 second picks are Marmelo and Humidor, the latter to be ridden by the in-form Blake Shinn who was on for the Cox Plate second in place of the suspended Damian Lane.

Lane is free to ride in the Melbourne Cup, but the Weir stable opted to stick with Shinn.

Godolphin trainer James Cummings responded, picking Lane up to ride their Cox Plate runner-up and Melbourne Cup third placegetter from last spring Hartnell.

Check out the latest Melbourne Cup 2017 odds on the potential runners ahead of final acceptances on Saturday afternoon now at Ladbrokes.com.au.