The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable is banking on the excellent third-up record of Converge over the Randwick Mile in the Epsom Handicap. 

Converge has twice been a winner third-up at 1600m at Randwick and enters Saturday's Group 1 race under those conditions again. 

He won the Listed Fernhill Stakes as a two-year-old before returning the following year to lower the colours of Anamoe  in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas. 

Converge's form this campaign may be less than flattering but Bott expects the gelding to be handier in the run than when finishing last behind Anamoe in the Group 1 Geroge Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 17. 

Converge drew barrier one in Tuesday's barrier draw for the Epsom Handicap and Bott said he had seen a sign in the gelding's track work that he was approaching his best. 

"We saw him work up strongly this morning and we've followed a similar pattern being mindful how the preparation worked out for him last time," Bott told Sky Thoroughbred Central. 

"He's come on nicely. The draw on Saturday will help him a lot. 

"In the George Main he was drawn wide and forced to go back and from an awkward spot it left him with too much to do. 

"From that kinder draw we should see him settle a bit closer." 

Waterhouse and Bott will also be represented by Cross Talk who, with 51kg, and the prospect of a wet track is likely to come into discussions for the Group 1 race. 

Rain is forecast and Bott said Cross Talk excels on wet ground. 

"He's got some good tactical speed to make it a nice even run race and he excels in those conditions, plus he runs out a nice strong mile," Bott said. 

"Things could certainly fall his way come Saturday, particularly with the rain." 

Cross Talk came up with barrier six and is an $11 chance with TAB while Converge is a $15 hope. 

Ice Bath (barrier 7) and Hinged (9) share favouritism for the Epsom at $4.50 ahead of Top Ranked ($6) and Fangirl ($7).