UK stayers Deauville Legend and Without A Fight have found the Flemington going too testing in their failed Melbourne Cup bids.

The Melbourne Cup's two international runners have floundered in rain-affected going at Flemington.

That was the frank assessment from the disappointed jockeys who rode UK raiders Deauville Legend and Without A Fight.

Deauville Legend ran best of the visitors, looming into the race under Kerrin Mcevoy as favourite before conceding ground late to the winner Gold Trip in finishing fourth.

The Melbourne Cup day meeting started out on a better-than-expected surface but the rain arrived to make the race a true test of stamina.

"The ground has probably just gone against him a little bit," McEvoy, chasing a record-breaking fourth Melbourne Cup victory, said.

"I was able to tuck him in towards the inside, got a nice trip around and he travelled really well.

"He might not stay past a 'mile and six' (2800m) but he ran a good race."

Without A Fight covered additional ground in the early stages before camping on the leaders.

There to contend when it mattered, Without A Fight dropped out in the straight and wound up more than 20 lengths from the winner in 13th place.

"He didn't get through that ground. He's a fast-ground horse," jockey William Buick said.