Read tips Roman Emperor in Melbourne Cup

This year's Melbourne Cup shapes as one of the most memorable in years if the buildup is anything to go by, says IASbet's Mark Read.

"At the top of the market there's the people's hero from the bush in Alcopop ($5) and the returning champ from the people's trainer Bart Cummings in Viewed ($5)," he said.

"Shocking ($10) put in a most eye-catching run in the Lexus on Derby Day, and has been very well backed since he snuck into the field. Mark Kavanagh's luck of late has been just that Shocking and hopefully this horse can erase some of the bad memories over the past few weeks."

"I think Roman Emperor ($9) represents great value in this year's Cup. His last run was a solid second to Viewed in the Caulfield Cup, who had the sort of run that jockeys and punters dream of.

"He's an AJC Derby winner, is bred to get the trip, and has the man of the moment in his corner.

"Looking to the other races on the day for winners, Ortensia ($2.10) looks almost unbeatable in the Herald Sun Stakes over 1400m. Back to her own sex, Williams should give her the gun run and she should be too strong for these."

"Another shortie is Mark Kavanagh's Defintely Ready ($1.40) in the Schweppes Tonic 1000. His three career runs have all been dominant wins and he is simply in another class to his rivals.

Because of the short quotes on offer, perhaps have the Ortensia/Definitely Ready running double and then use that money to bet later on the Cup."