The Offer remained early favourite for the race that stops a nation for month’s leading into last year’s edition of the race before being scratched, and trainer Gai Waterhouse remains confident the talented stayer is a far-greater chance of success on Tuesday than his 2015 Melbourne Cup odds suggest.

The Offer was undoubtedly the standout stayer of the 2014 Sydney Autumn Carnival; running third in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) before posting consecutive wins in each of the Group 3 NE Manion Cup (2400m), Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) and Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m); stamping himself as the leading Melbourne Cup fancy in the process.

Having failed to reach the same racing heights through the early stages of the 2014 Spring Carnival before form and a minor ailment ruled him out of Melbourne Cup contention, The Offer has returned to great form this time in and has perhaps slipped under the radar leading into Tuesday’s Flemington feature.

Returning for a comfortable win in the Listed Rowley Mile (1600m) with a heavy weight on August 29^th, The Offer placed fifth in each of the Listed Wyong Cup (2080m) Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) before running fourth in the Listed Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) on October 17^th.

Returning to winning form via a strong performance in last week’s Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m), Waterhouse is bullish of The Offer’s chances and remains rates the six-year-old a far-greater chance of success than the picture painted by his current $41 Melbourne Cup odds.

“He’s a proven stayer and we know how effective he is on rain-affected ground,” Waterhouse said.

The Offer began his racing career under the guidance of leading Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien in 2012; a strong and consistent performer before transferring to the care of Waterhouse prior to his 2013 campaign.

Displayed a clear affinity with spring racing from his 2013 preparation; The Offer placed third in the in a Randwick minor over a mile and second in the Blacktown Workers Club BM85 (1800m) before taking out the Listed Ballarat Cup (2200m) by close to four lengths in late November.

Confirmed to be partnered by champion jockey Damien Oliver and will leave from barrier 13 in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

The Offer is currently available at 2015 Melbourne Cup odds of $41 for success with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au and has experienced a number of fluctuations; cutting out to a quote of $51 at one stage.

Open at Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of Best Tote or SP plus 20% on the first four races at Flemington on 2015 Melbourne Cup Day!