As many of the beaten brigade searched for excuses for their Melbourne Cup runners, Bart Cummings took it on the chin and said he'd try again next year.

It was supposed to be Bart's day with the country's most revered trainer sending three runners into the race he has won an amazing 12 times.

His leading contender was second favourite Viewed, raced by his close friend Dato Tan Chin Nam and winner of the race last year.

After getting checked on the first circuit, Viewed found himself in an awkward position and eventually ran on late to finish seventh to Shocking.

Jockey Brad Rawiller told Cummings he had decided to follow Alcopop who finished sixth.

"He should have followed the winner instead," Cummings said.

"Of course that's obvious after the race."

Dato Tan has shares in the ownership of Cummings' other two Cup runners, Allez Wonder and Roman Emperor who finished 16th and third last respectively.

Roman Emperor was up running second during the race behind Warringah, a position Cummings thought Hugh Bowman should have changed.

"He needed to get behind a few more," he said with a smile.

Michelle Payne on Allez Wonder escaped any criticism.

"She rode her well, the horse just didn't stay the distance," Cummings said.

"Never mind, we'll just have to come back next year.

"Now we've got to go and find Chin Nam and cheer him up.

"He's had three losers all in the one race."

Still chuckling at his own joke, Cummings suggested Thursday's Oaks favourite Faint Perfume might be leading the Cup charge next year.

Cummings has won the Toorak Handicap, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate this spring and as well as Faint Perfume, he has Cox Plate winner So You Think in the Emirates Stakes on Saturday.