International horses arrive in Melbourne

A TOTAL of 18 international contenders touched down in Melbourne on Saturday, arriving safely at the Werribee Quarantine centre. The Aidan O’Brien-trained duo of Johannes Vermeer and Taj Mahal were on the plane as were the Willie Mullins pair of Wicklow Brave and Riven Light. Ballydoyle’s US Army Ranger and Willie Mullins’ Max Dynamite and Thomas Hobson are scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on October 14th.

Charlie Appleby and his team had an outstanding spring last year and they landed with Francis Of Assisi, Folkswood, Qewy and Kidmenever. Francis of Assisi sustained a knock on the plane which was waved away by travelling foreman Chris Connett as “nothing major.”

Five-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, who owns Rekindling, said the Joseph O’Brien-trained three-year-old is the best stayer he has owned since Efficient, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2007. O’Brien has yet to commit Rekindling to Australia but Williams also said he is “keen on him” for the Flemington showpiece.

Winx wows ahead of Turnbull

WINX got a sight of Flemington’s course proper on Monday ahead of her start in today’s Turnbull Stakes. Using Group 1 winning sprinter Japonisme as her ‘bunny’ Winx wowed track watchers with sizzling gallop over 1,000 metres that has her final 400 metres hand timed at 23 seconds. “I just go by feel and what I felt this morning was pretty much what I hoped to feel,” said Hugh Bowman.

“The best thing about it was she was very relaxed. That gives me great comfort.” Saturday’s race sees Winx chasing a 21st straight victory and will be her final outing before the Cox Plate.