After third declarations were taken yesterday for next Tuesday's $5.5 million Melbourne Cup, Bart 'the unbeatable' Cummings could argue that he had the safety in numbers after paying up for six of the 42 horses left in contention.

Cummings not only has joint favourite Viewed, the 2008 Melbourne Cup and 2009 Caulfield Cup winner, but also Caulfield Cup runner-up Roman Emperor, Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder, Moonee Valley Cup place getter Think Money, Geelong Cup runner-up Dandaad and Naval Escort, still in the hunt for the trainer's 13th Cup triumph.

Dandaad and Naval Escort will attempt to guarantee themselves a start by winning the $250,000 Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

One betting agency dares to gamble against Cummings winning on Tuesday.

Sporting bet is offering $4.50 on Cummings being successful and $1.20 that the winner will come outside his set.