Godolphin Australia provided some consolation for Sheikh Mohammed when Antelucan scored a debut win in the opening race on Melbourne Cup day.

Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin team was forced to scratch Cavalryman from the Melbourne Cup on race morning due to swelling to his near-fore fetlock.

Ridden by Chad Schofield, Antelucan ($11) scored a long neck victory over Thurlow ($5) with Dagny ($26) three-quarters of a length away third.

Winning trainer John O'Shea said the 1000m race had been a specific target for the daughter of Domesday.

"It's good to get the score on the board," O'Shea said.

"This is our grand final week and it's very rewarding for the whole team.

"We were really happy with her at home at Osborne Park and she was set for this race 12 weeks ago."

O'Shea said Antelucan was a late foal and would benefit from an immediate break to develop before she returned for the autumn.

Schofield said the two-year-old had been well educated and was a true professional.

"I like the way she did it," Schofield said.

"Even though it was her first start she raced as though she had done it many times before."