German stayer Protectionist confirmed a trip to Melbourne with a comfortable win early Monday in the Prix Kergolay at Deauville.
While the Kergorlay lacked the depth of previous renewals, Protectionist continued his strong recent form.
Protectionist, the $2.20 favourite, dealt easily with the testing ground, rated as very soft, running the 3000 metres in 3:30.08 as he scored by 1½ lengths from Fly With Me, $3.40.
The Andreas Wohler-trained four-year-old has won won his past two starts at Group 2 level.
In recent years the Kergolay has proved as good a European guide as any race for the Melbourne Cup.
Americain won the 2010 edition of the Kergolay before winning the Melbourne Cup. Dunaden ran in the 2011 Kergolay, but finished ninth.
Protectionist, the sole German horse entered for the Caulfield Cup, is expected to enter quarantine on September 11 and arrive with the first shipment of European horses in Melbourne on September 27.