A lacklustre display from Jakkalberry in the Caulfield Cup has not dented the Melbourne Cup hopes of trainer Marco Botti.

Trainer Marco Botti is expecting an improved performance from Jakkalberry in the Melbourne Cup. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia.

The six-year-old was never really in the race on Saturday, finishing 13th and 6 1/2 lengths off winner Dunaden, but Botti is confident he will be an improved horse come the first Tuesday in November.

Botti pointed to the two-month break since his commanding win in the Americain St Leger in August as a reason for him failing to make an impact in a quality Caulfield Cup field.

“He has come out of the Caulfield Cup well. I would say he needed the run. There had been a long gap since he won the American St Leger,” Botti told the UK’s At The Races.

“He’s quite a robust horse and takes a lot of work. We didn’t really want to hammer him for the Caulfield Cup, so he should come on quite a lot and perhaps the track [at Flemington] might suit him better than Caulfield.

“Despite him finishing midfield I wouldn’t be negative for the Melbourne Cup. He goes there with a decent chance and perhaps he will be at his peak for that race. The extra distance will suit him as well.”

Jakkalberry’s overseas success guarantees him a start in the Melbourne Cup where he will carry 55.5kg.

Among his achievements are a Group 1 win in Italy and a third-place effort behind Cirrus Des Aigles and St Nicholas Abbey in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

The son of Storming Home is owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock who bought the entire with the goal of chasing Melbourne Cup glory.