An awkward barrier draw hasn’t stopped punters supporting Fawkner for his return at Flemington.
Fawkner will be having his first start since finishing 10th in last year’s Melbourne Cup behind Protectionist when he lines up in the Group One Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.
He will jump from barrier 13 if emergency Awesome Rock dails to gain a start.
Fawkner has been the best backed runner in Saturday’s race, firming from $8 to $6 in early markets.
The Lloyd Williams-owned grey was a close second to Dissident in the race last year.
The Tony McEvoy-trained Alpine Eagle has also met with early support in the Makybe Diva, firming from $9 to $7.50.
Boban, chasing a third Group One win from his past four starts and second in a row after his Memsie Stakes victory, is an easing $4.40 favourite.
The Makybe Diva is one of seven black-type races to be run at Flemington on Saturday.