Diamond sparkling ahead of Melbourne meeting

Carte Diamond is reported to be in good health after making the long trip to Australia in preparation for the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The Brian Ellison-trained four-year-old is set to tackle the Caulfield Cup, where he will be partnered by South African jockey Weichong Marwing, before lining-up in the main event on November 1.

Carte Diamond arrived in Australia yesterday after a 36-hour journey and his owner Ashley Carr believes he has taken the trip well.

“Carte Diamond ate seven bowls of feed and drank plenty of water during the long flight from England,” said Carr.

“He only lost 10 kilos and the vets were perfectly happy with his condition on arrival.”

Carte Diamond was last seen finishing second in the Ebor at York and was also a useful performer over hurdles last season, winning at Musselburgh before disappointing when pulled-up in the Triumph Hurdle.

Carr added: “Brian has been impressed with the way our horse has matured this year and the five-month break between the Triumph Hurdle back in March and his reappearance in the Ebor may have been the making of him.

“He is still improving and has only raced six times on the Flat, winning three times, finishing runner-up twice and third once.

“I am expecting big things of Carte Diamond in the coming weeks”.

Carte Diamond is currently on offer at 25-1 with VC Bet and the firm believe he has all the right credentials for the big handicap.

“Carte Diamond has exactly the right profile for the Melbourne Cup,” said PR manager Neal Wilkins.

“He is only four, has low mileage and the right attitude. He could be a force to reckon with on November 1 particularly in light of how well he took the travelling.”

Emirates Melbourne Cup, VC Bet: 5-1 Plastered, 6-1 Makybe Diva, 8-1 Xcellent, 10-1 Dizelle, 12-1 Vouvray, Demerger, 14-1 Distinction, Vinnie Roe, 16-1 Westerner, 20-1 Accumulate, Sweet Stream, Perlin, 25-1 bar.