Cox Plate fourth-placegetter Pornichet will back up in Saturday’s Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse reported that Pornichet had come through his Moonee Valley run in fine fettle and would push on to Saturday’s $1miilion Group 1.

Pornichet will lead a strong Waterhouse team on Derby Day.

Excess Knowledge and Bohemian Lily will each be given a chance to earn a place in the Melbourne cup field through the Lexus Stakes (2500m).

Waterhouse will also have Sempre Libera running in the Wakeful Stakes while Ecuador is also expected to line up at Flemington on Saturday.