Early reports were all positive that the first intake of international horses for the spring carnival all travelled well, reports Racing Network. Racing Victoria’s international consultant Leigh Jordon said the grooms travelling with the eight overseas horses said they encountered no problems.

Headlining the internationals is American St Leger winner Dandino, who will run in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

 

Side Glance, raced by Sheikh Fahad at Thani, and Mull Of Killough, are the two European horses who have secured invitations for the Cox Plate.

 

UK stayers Simenon and Forgotten Voice are likely to run in the Caulfield Cup although the latter is a borderline case.

 

If Forgotten Voice can’t gain a Caulfield Cup start he may run in the Herbert Power or Geelong Cup.

 

Opinion, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, will join the Chris Waller stables. He’s entered in the Melbourne Cup, but would need to win a Group race to force his way into the race.

 

Ruscello, a member of the OTI syndicate, is also unlikely to be seen in any of the feature Cups.

 

The remaining ‘foreigner’ is French horse Trevieres, which is trained by Marcus Nigge, the father of Stephanie, who strapped Americain during his three trips to Melbourne.

 

Trevieres holds an entry for the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, but he may find himself in races like the Toorak Handicap or Emirates Stakes.

 

Also on the plane was the Danny O'Brien trained Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress which contested the King's Stand and July Cup.

 

The second intake of internationals, featuring Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, Brown Panther, Mount Athos, Verema and the Godolphin representatives will arrive on Caulfield Cup day.