New Zealand owner-breeder Bob Emery has his sights set on going one better in the $5 million, Group I, Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7 with Zarius (NZ) (Zabeel x Sadlers Home by Sadler's Wells) who returned to winning form with a vengeance over 2000m at Hastings on Saturday.

In 1998 Emery-owned Champagne (NZ) (Zabeel x L'Quiz by L'Enjoleur) finished second behind fellow New Zealand-bred mare Jezabeel (NZ) (Zabeel x Passefleur) in the Melbourne Cup.

Zarius (NZ) will start next in the $NZ1 million Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings on October 7 followed by a start over 2100m at Te Rapa on October 23.

He will then have his final Melbourne Cup lead-up in the $750,000, Group I, Motorola Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 4.

Zarius (NZ) will be ridden throughout his spring campaign by New Zealand's leading jockey Michael Walker.