Irish-bred Signoff has the form and credentials to be a genuine winning chance for the premier Ballarat trainer.

However, Signoff first has to make the field for Tuesday.

And the only way he can do that is salute in the group 3 $300,000 Lexus Stakes, 2500m, at Flemington on Saturday to earn an exemption from the Cup ballot.

Signoff is 36 in the order of entry and there is no other way he can leapfrog into the field of 24.

Punters have rallied to the Gerry Ryan Signoff, which this time last year had not raced.

He is a firming favourite and late on Friday had been backed into $2.80, with more money for him expected by betting agencies.

Weir is not leaving anything to chance.

He is putting blinkers on Signoff and has also announced his intention to have international jockey Joao Moreira to ride the five-year-old close to the speed.

Signoff has run on strongly into minor placings in his latest two starts for a second in the Herbert Power Handicap, 2400m, at Caulfield, and third in the Coongy Handicap, 2000m, at Caulfield.

Weir went his closest to a Melbourne Cup victory in 2003, when brave mare She’s Archie finished second within two lengths of champion mare Makybe Diva.

Leica Ding is Weir’s latest Melbourne Cup runner in 2009.

Taking A Punt, page 162