For venerable UK stayer Red Cadeaux, Saturday’s return to the Werribee quarantine centre was akin to a homecoming.
Red Cadeaux is visiting Melbourne for the fifth time but the first during an autumn carnival, which will see him run in the Australian Cup before heading to Sydney for an unconfirmed start in both The BMW and the Sydney Cup.
Racing Victoria’s international scout Leigh Jordon said Red Cadeaux, a three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up, entered Werribee as if it was his home base.
“He was kicking and bucking and he walked straight over to the sand roll. He just loves being out here,” Jordon said.
“The Australian Cup (2000m) is not really his distance, but he just thrives out here so you wouldn't be surprised to see him run a blinder.
“Robin (Trevor Johns, the travelling foreman for trainer Ed Dunlop) said Red Cadeaux is such a seasoned traveller that the 27-hour flight from the UK didn’t present any concerns.
“He’s been out here four times now. He knows the run of the place.”
Red Cadeaux is likely to go out on the track on Monday as he builds up towards the $1 million Australian Cup at Flemington on March 14.
The nine-year-old ran sixth behind French stayer Flintshire in the Hong Kong Vase in December after his second behind Protectionist in the Melbourne Cup.