James Cummings insists a straightforward spring campaign for Australia's best racehorse doesn't come with a guarantee of success in the $5 million Cox Plate.
Cummings, who heads Godolphin's Australian thoroughbred interests, says he has Anamoe in the best possible order to avenge a controversial 2021 defeat in the race.
But the grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings is taking nothing for granted.
"The horse is going to need to turn up," he told reporters on the eve of the prestigious weight-for-age contest.
"We've had a really uncomplicated time in the lead-up and for that we're very grateful.
"And we're also very grateful we have a horse as good as Anamoe to put us in this position but it's not a gimme.
"They don't give them away and he's going to have to really turn up and perform to his best."
Anamoe went within a half head of winning last year as a three-year-old when Godolphin tried to have the result overturned after protesting against the winner State Of Rest.
As agonising as it was for Godolphin, the defeat was only a temporary setback in Anamoe's climb to the top.
He is unbeaten in three spring appearances at Group One level, including an off-the-canvas victory in a Cox Plate dress rehearsal at Caulfield on October 8.
Anamoe has been a constant at the top of Cox Plate betting for most of the spring and he will line up as a warm favourite at Moonee Valley.
Rain is forecast for Melbourne on Saturday but the prospect of a wet Cox Plate is unlikely to worry Anamoe who is just as effective in soft going as he is on top of the ground.
Racing Victoria stewards have cleared Alligator Blood to take his place in the race.
Alligator Blood was put through a veterinary test on Friday that confirmed the five-year-old had overcome lameness.
