Trainer Tony McEvoy’s Melbourne Cup dream is alive and well after his Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours drew barrier eight for Tuesday’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

The draw helped the gelding retain favouritism at $6 in a field of 24, with five runners under $10 in betting.

“What this barrier allows us to do is not make any decisions,” McEvoy said. “At Caulfield we were chasing him a little bit, but at Flemington you can be patient.”

Chris Waller’s Buckaroo drew barrier 12, while stablemates Valiant King and River Of Stars landed in 10 and 14 respectively. Roughie More Felons drew wide in 23.

“It’s a great result,” assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “We’re rolling the dice and going in the Melbourne Cup.”

Racing expert Trent Crebbin said most contenders fared well, noting Buckaroo’s improved position.

Valiant King sits second in betting at $7, ahead of Buckaroo ($8) and Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa ($9).