A Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) programme for Ladies First has been announced by trainer Allan Sharrock.

Five lead-up races are planned to have the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner at her peak for the Flemington two-miler.

“She’ll run in an open sprint at Otaki and then the open mile race on the same day as the Makfi,” Sharrock said.

“Safely through that, it will be the open 2000m at Hastings and then I think she’ll be competitive in the Livamol Classic. All going well, it will be the Moonee Valley Cup and straight into the Melbourne Cup.”

Sharrock said Ladies First was coming up well, although he didn’t expect her to show form until she got to 2000m.