Melbourne Cup 2018: Cross Counter looking to blast away Flemington rivals after recovering from setback
Charlie Appleby's staying supremo has his engine fully revved for the race that stops a nation
RED CADEAUX, Purple Moon, Marmelo, Mount Athos.
All big British names who failed to capture Australian racing's biggest prize. And now it's the turn of Cross Counter to enter Flemington's arena in search of Wallaby booty.
According to trainer Charlie Appleby, the star three-year-old is ready and raring to go in his bid to give Britain a famous victory in the Melbourne Cup on November 6.
Last seen finishing a head second to Old Persian in the Great Voltigeur, he arguably brings the strongest form into the race of any British contender for a number of years.
Having picked up a slight injury in work, his trainer believes he's now back to his best.
He said: "Cross Counter is back cantering away and he is back on track for the Melbourne Cup. He is due to do a piece of work on Saturday.
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"He knocked himself and gave himself a cut so he had to have a couple of stitches but they have knitted together well.
"He has been back in exercise since Saturday and we are pleased with him. He missed those few days there but it probably didn't do him any harm."