The Melbourne Cup could host its first American-trained runner after Parchment Party, winner of the G2 Belmont Gold Cup (3200m) in June, was among six international horses cleared to enter quarantine ahead of next month’s $10 million race.
Trained by US Hall of Famer Bill Mott and ridden by Johnny Velazquez, Parchment Party recently relocated to the UK from the United States to comply with Australia’s quarantine requirements.
Racing Victoria confirmed that six horses, including Parchment Party, passed compulsory scans of their distal limbs and will begin two weeks of quarantine in Europe and Japan before flying to Melbourne on October 13 and 14.
Mott’s stayer is joined by Irish St Leger winner Al Riffa and stablemate Goodie Two Shoes from Joseph O’Brien’s yard, Chevalier Rose from Japan, Flatten The Curve from Germany, and Furthur from England.
Meanwhile, a further five internationals were due to arrive in Melbourne on Sunday evening, including Absurde (Willie Mullins), Golden Snap (Japan), and Meydaan (England), who are all aimed at the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Once in Victoria, the travelling party will complete quarantine at the Werribee International Horse Centre and undergo further veterinary checks before being cleared to race.
Racing Victoria also confirmed that Lake Forest, trained by William Haggas, will travel to Sydney to target the G1 King Charles Stakes (1600m) at Randwick before a possible Champions Mile tilt at Flemington.
