Williams fights against Cup ban

Dunaden's jockey for the Emirates Melbourne Cup might not be finalised until the eve of Australia's greatest race, with Craig Williams determined to continue his fight against suspension.

Williams, who is looking to become the first rider to win the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same year, was ruled out of Tuesday's race when receiving a careless riding ban at Bendigo this week.

His attempt to either shorten or change the charge was dismissed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, but he could now take his case, which is likely to be heard on Monday, to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Williams steered the French-trained Dunaden to a comfortable victory in the Geelong Cup, which took him to the head of the betting for the big one itself.

While trainer Mikel Delzangles would like to stay loyal to the same pilot, he has Christophe Lemaire on standby to fly in from Japan.

"I'm very disappointed with the ruling, which goes without saying, and I'm going to go home and discuss it with my lawyers," Williams said.

"I've got to focus on Derby Day (on Saturday) but we'll see what the options are as it's my dream to ride Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup."

Linton, who was guaranteed a start in the Cup, was ruled out of the race and could head for an alternative event.

The grey's defection means British contenders Moyenne Corniche, Saptapadi and Bauer move one step closer to a start, with the first-named now right on the verge.