WILLIE Mullins remains optimistic about Wicklow Brave's chances in the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday despite being handed a tricky outside draw.

The seven-year-old was last seen winning the Irish St Leger at the Curragh in September and will break from stall 24 in Australia's biggest race in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

His trainer accepts the draw is out of his control but the horse is in peak condition for the severe test.

"The draw is obviously not ideal, but there's nothing we can do about that and we're just focussing on the positives," said Co Carlow-based Mullins who trained Max Dynamite to finish second last year.

"David Casey (assistant) has been very pleased with the horse and he did a lovely bit of work on Saturday morning after I arrived.

"He's in great shape, Frankie (Dettori) obviously knows the place well and we'll see what we can do."

HEARTBREAK CITY

Tony Martin is also expecting a big run from Heartbreak City in the Emirates Melbourne Cup in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The six-year-old has been kept fresh for this race after winning the Ebor at York in August and while his draw in stall 23 is not ideal, it has not dampened the enthusiasm of his trainer .

"Deep down, I think my horse will give a really good account of himself. I'd be disappointed if he doesn't give a really good show," said the Co Meath handler.

"Everything Willie runs in a big race, you just have to respect, and he (Wicklow Brave) is coming here with the right credentials.

"He won an Irish St Leger - that one of Aidan O'Brien's probably didn't run up to form on the day, Order Of St George - but his runs prior to that I think were excellent."

BONDI BEACH

The other Irish runner Bondi Beach is drawn 5 and Aidan O'Brien believes he has what it takes to win Australia's biggest race.

Bondi Beach was well beaten 12 months ago at the end of a busy first campaign, but O'Brien believes he is a stronger horse this year and having a good draw, the omens suggest Bondi Beach has a big chance and will be ridden by Ryan Moore for the first time.

"The draw seems fine and we're looking forward to it," said O'Brien.

"He's a very strong traveller, he goes through his races very well.

"He probably doesn't want to be in front too long, but that's the way he's always been. He stays well and has a lot of class."

Lloyd Williams, one of Bondi Beach's co-owners, has been impressed with the way the trainer has handled the horse's preparation.

"The horse has matured a bit from last year," he said. "Aidan seems to be pretty happy with him and the vibe with him is they are happy with him. Aidan O'Brien's attention to detail, to run a business as big as his, I've never seen anything like it before."