MUTUAL REGARD will try and add the Emirates Melbourne Cup to his Ebor win without the aid of a prep run in Australia, trainer Johnny Murtagh has revealed, reports the UK Racing Post.
The Andrew Tinkler-owned five-year-old won on his seasonal debut at the Curragh and Murtagh thinks keeping him fresh for the biggest challenge of his career is the best plan.
"I think he'll go straight for the race, as he goes well fresh," said the trainer.
Talking to racing.com, Murtagh added: "He's settled in very well. He's a pretty straightforward horse and travelled over good. He lost a few kilos but he's putting that back on now.
"He's going well. He seems to be nice and fresh and I just hope I have him in the same shape as when he turned up at York."
Mutual Regard is set to be joined in the Melbourne Cup on November 4 by stablemate Royal Diamond, who arrives in Australia on Saturday.
Murtagh said: "He's moving great and if he turns up with his A-game he'd have a definite shout. He's a seasoned traveller and I don't think there'll be any problems with him."
Royal Diamond, winner of the 2012 Irish St Leger, is a general 33-1 shot for the Melbourne Cup, with Mutual Regard rated a 20-1 chance with most bookmakers.