Outsider Secret Number given hope by Flemington bookies

Flemington bookies have introduced a widely-avoided horse to the Melbourne Cup picture: Secret Number.

Listed at $26 with Ladbrokes, Secret Number was mentioned by a handful of rails bookies as a decent chance of springing an upset.

The six-year-old Godolphin stayer is anything but the stable star for the five-strong blue brigade but that will matter for little at 3pm.

Almandin, one of Lloyd Williams’ four starters, has attracted plenty of money, joining the likes of Jameka and Hartnell as punters’ favourites.