Chris Waller's prospects of winning the Melbourne Cup for a second time have been boosted by Durston's Caulfield Cup victory.

Three of Australia's most famous horse races will be run and won in less than three weeks — Andrew McGarry checks out the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup for the favourites and main chances.

Durston has won the $5 million Caulfield Cup, beating Gold Trip and Knights Order in the first of three signature races of the Melbourne spring carnival.

Durston makes the most of a last-minute inclusion to win the Caulfield Cup, while Giga Kick denies wonder sprinter Nature Strip to claim The Everest at Royal Randwick.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have Smokin' Romans poised to complete an unlikely rise as one of Australia's best stayers in the $5 million Caulfield Cup.

Jacquinot, a runner in the $15 million Everest, has figured in a stud deal as the 2021 winner Nature Strip remains a warm favourite for back-to-back success.