Racing authorities in Australia are adamant the Melbourne Cup will not be affected by what is believed to be an equine influenza outbreak in Sydney.

Imperial Stride continues to please the Godolphin team as the finishing touches are put to his preparation for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Hong Kong-based jockey Brett Prebble has been handed the ride on Carte Diamond in the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington tomorrow week.

FOUR horses have been supplemented for the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Dermot Weld may not make a decision on Vinnie Roe’s participation in the Emirates Melbourne Cup until the morning of the big race itself.

Connections of Vinnie Roe have threatened to withdraw the four-times Irish St Leger winner from the Emirates Melbourne Cup if the ground is not soft enough.

Willie Mullins remains upbeat about the chances of Holy Orders in next week’s Tooheys New Melbourne Cup despite the horse’s refusal to work earlier this week.

GODOLPHIN’S Hatha Anna and Pugin were in top form in their workout yesterday as part of their continuing build-up to the Tooheys New Melbourne Cup.