Emerging stayer Landlocked will be out to join veteran stablemate Zavite on the Melbourne Cup trail when he competes in Saturday's Metropolitan at Randwick.Although Landlocked is the least experienced runner, going into the Group One feature at just his 10th start, the four-year-old's trainer Anthony Cummings believes he is up to the task.Like Auckland Cup winner Zavite who runs in Sunday's Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, Landlocked is by champion sire of stayers Zabeel."Landlocked has taken good

Emerging stayer Landlocked will be out to join veteran stablemate Zavite on the Melbourne Cup trail when he competes in Saturday's Metropolitan at Randwick.

Although Landlocked is the least experienced runner, going into the Group One feature at just his 10th start, the four-year-old's trainer Anthony Cummings believes he is up to the task.

Like Auckland Cup winner Zavite who runs in Sunday's Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, Landlocked is by champion sire of stayers Zabeel.

"Landlocked has taken good progression from his last start in the Hill Stakes where he stepped up to weight-for-age," Cummings said.

"Now back into a handicap, he is suited at the weights.

"He worked solidly on Tuesday morning and the mile and a half (2400m) is to his liking and he is going to be hard to beat I think."

Landlocked finished fifth in the Group Two Hill Stakes (1900m) won by Descarado last Saturday week.

Gai Waterhouse confirmed a start for Herculian Prince when acceptances were taken on Wednesday and the five-year-old will run with a lugging bit and a bit lifter in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the Colin Stephen when he choked down.

Colin Stephen winner No Wine No Song displaced Herculian Prince as Metropolitan favourite when the latter finished last.

But once the problem was detected, Herculian Prince was back at the top of the market and was at $3.20 on Wednesday with No Wine No Song ($6.50) now third pick with the declaration of Melbourne visitor Mr Charlie ($5.50) while Landlocked was a $12 chance.

Raced by businessman Gerry Harvey, Landlocked won two midweek races to begin his spring preparation before his unplaced effort in the Hill Stakes.

Jay Ford will ride Landlocked who faces 12 rivals in the Metropolitan including European import Mourayan, one of several horses bought by Lloyd Williams with the Melbourne Cup in mind.