Glen Boss has boldly declared imported stayer Changingoftheguard is back in Melbourne Cup contention.A powerful run over 3000 metres at a foggy Sandown on Sunday morning lifted spirits after an indifferent workout on Thursday threw some doubts over the four-year-old's Cup campaign."He's back in the ball game," Boss said after the run."He gave me a Triple A feel today, he's bounced back. He's obviously a tough horse."I'm rapt I am able to get that feel he gave me."The triple Melbourne Cup winning

Glen Boss has boldly declared imported stayer Changingoftheguard is back in Melbourne Cup contention.

A powerful run over 3000 metres at a foggy Sandown on Sunday morning lifted spirits after an indifferent workout on Thursday threw some doubts over the four-year-old's Cup campaign.

"He's back in the ball game," Boss said after the run.

"He gave me a Triple A feel today, he's bounced back. He's obviously a tough horse.

"I'm rapt I am able to get that feel he gave me."

The triple Melbourne Cup winning jockey says his confidence in the former Coolmore-owned entire has been boosted by regular phone chats with his Irish rider Johnny Murtagh who assures Boss he is "a genuinely good horse".

Trainer David Hayes was buoyed by the run and the rapport established between Boss and Changingoftheguard.

"I was very keen for Glen to ride him this morning, just to get the feel," Hayes said.

"If a jockey doesn't feel he can win, it's hard to win. Glen's probably more confident than me."

Hayes dismissed Thursday's run.

"I wouldn't read anything into that gallop. I'd read more into today's gallop," he said.

"He was relaxed and really keen to go faster today, he really strode out well. Most importantly though he ate all his feed last night.

"He gave me a good feel, it's all up to Glen now."

Changingoftheguard will carry just 50.5kg and Boss was given another boost going into Tuesday's Cup when his mount drew barrier one

"Barrier one is very, very important. Glen can ride a relaxed race," Hayes said.

"He won't have to jostle for position, we feel in barrier one we can switch him off."

Which is exactly what Boss plans.

"I can park him and put him to sleep," he said.

With quarantine expiring this weekend, Hayes will take Changingoftheguard from Sandown to Flemington on Sunday afternoon for some company and to get used to the surroundings.

"He's craving for company. He'll do better with other horses around him," Hayes said.

At $21 with TAB Sportsbet on Sunday, Changingoftheguard was the shortest priced of the six internationals in the Cup field.