The old Melbourne Cup water game has begun.

Dermot Weld, a man who would have told Noah he needed more rain, has begun the cajoling and appealing for the Flemington track to be watered to his satisfaction.

The "more water" message arrived on Monday with the appearance of Weld's son Mark at the Werribee quarantine centre where the stable's latest hope Galileo's Choice has been preparing to win Ireland's - and Weld's - third Melbourne Cup.

Galileo's Choice had been scheduled to go to Flemington on Tuesday for a gallop on the course proper.

But the weather forecast and the reluctance of track manager Mick Goodie to provide the sort of surface Weld desired has led to a re-think.

"As always, we want a safe track, that's all we ask," Weld said.

"I'm not unduly concerned if we don't go to Flemington.

"It probably makes more sense to stay here and do what we have to do at Werribee."

The scenario is a repeat of the previous 10 spring trips the Welds have made to Melbourne when they have requested watering, whatever the forecast.

The track condition aside, Weld was delighted with the condition of Galileo's Choice, a horse he said had flown under the radar.

"He's a different sort of Melbourne Cup horse altogether from most of the others we've brought here," Weld said.

"The thing is, he's won good races at two thousand metres so he's probably the fastest European horse here.

"And he's won over hurdles, so he can stay a bit as well."

Galileo's Choice also arrives in Melbourne in sparkling form having won at his past two starts, the latest a 2400m Group Three race at Leopardstown.

Weld also handed out a tip for "the best of the rest" - Mount Athos.

The Cup favourite until Dunaden won the Caulfield Cup, Mount Athos has worked steadily and strongly at Werribee and showed on Monday morning he was in good spirits as he evaded his handler while having a roll and bolted around the stable compound.

He was caught unharmed.

Weld said his father had tried to buy Mount Athos, a horse he said stands out among the international contingent of at least 10 who are already assured of a Cup start.