Maher's assistant-trainer Jack Turnbull said the winter program for Berkshire Breeze was all about qualifying the stayer for the Cup.
The plan had been going smoothly with wins at Flemington on June 8 and July 6 before finishing second on August 3 when forced into the role of leader.
Berkshire Breeze had tried for a ballot exemption in the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on September 14, but a heavy track did not play into his hands.
"His run was solid last start when the ground deteriorated," Turnbull said.
"We don't think he loved it, but he still ran OK and drawing two on Saturday, he's going to get a nice run, hopefully midfield.
"We think he has the talent, and if he can win, then he's qualified for the big one." - Jack Turnbull
Another import, Saint George is expected to relish the 2520m on Saturday after looming to win the Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield last start.
Turnbull said Saint George may have hit a flat spot that day under Jamie Kah.
"Jamie thought maybe from after the first-up run where he was kept on the bit, he just didn't have that hit out he required," Turnbull said.
"We've put a tongue tie on him just for breathing. He hasn't got a wind problem, but she thought maybe he just had his tongue back when she went to ease up on him, so it's cheap insurance."
Interpretation is attempting to get into his third Melbourne Cup.
He failed to finish in 2022 before running sixth last year while at his most recent outing, Interpretation beat only one runner home in the Archer Stakes.
"He needs to improve, there's no denying that and I hope last start was more about the ground," Turnbull said.
"He'll be ridden back and hopefully be running on like he did in the Melbourne Cup when he ran his best race, arguably." - Jack Turnbull
"So, he does a lot of schooling which hopefully will sharpen him up."
