MILLIONAIRE owner Lloyd Williams has spent much of the past 12 months stocking his Melbourne Cup arsenal and with 20 nominations for the $6 million race, he stands the greatest chance of being able to repel the international invasion, reports The Age.It says: At the close of nominations yesterday for the spring's five feature races, 253 horses from eight countries were entered for the Melbourne Cup, with Williams leading the charge as he seeks a win in the great race for a fourth time.The home d

MILLIONAIRE owner Lloyd Williams has spent much of the past 12 months stocking his Melbourne Cup arsenal and with 20 nominations for the $6 million race, he stands the greatest chance of being able to repel the international invasion, reports The Age.

It says: At the close of nominations yesterday for the spring's five feature races, 253 horses from eight countries were entered for the Melbourne Cup, with Williams leading the charge as he seeks a win in the great race for a fourth time.

The home defence of the 2010 Melbourne Cup will be led by the familiar faces of Williams and master trainer Bart Cummings - who have 15 Melbourne Cup wins between them - contributing 32 nominations.

''It is the race I think about all year and we're certainly trying hard to win it,'' Williams said yesterday. ''But you've got to get there first and, really, I'd be thrilled if we can get a couple of horses to the race.''

But despite playing down his attempt, Williams has made a concerted effort over the past year to win the 150th Melbourne Cup with numerous international purchases, such as his headliner, the Irish St Leger winner Alandi.

Not only has Williams sought out the best staying potential in Australia and New Zealand, he purchased more than a dozen tried horses - eight of which are entered for this year's Melbourne Cup - from the United Kingdom late last year.

He revealed that his nomination total may rise to 21 if English stayer Imposing, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, passes a veterinary examination over the next few days. ''I might yet own him,'' Williams said. ''He's a Danehill Dancer horse that was placed at Royal Ascot last month. He's a horse that interests me quite a bit.''