New purchases for Makin

Paul Makin, the colourful owner of top miler Starcraft, has bought two horses to be trained by Luca Cumani in a bid to land the 2006 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Glistening, formerly in the care of Sir Michael Stoute, and Soulacroix from Amanda Perrett’s yard will both be aimed at Flemington’s showpiece next year.

Makin said: “I’ve bought both horses and put them in training with Luca Cumani who has done so well with Starcraft for me. I’d love to win the Cup.

“Glistening looks a promising stayer and Soulacroix has had a good season.

“They are both rated in the 90s and with a bit more improvement, which I’m sure Luca can bring from them, they may well be Down Under this time next year.”

Soulacroix was last seen finishing a close second to Ebtikaar in a handicap at Newmarket on October 13, having previously beaten Nawamees at the same course in September.

Glistening was purchased for 180,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale and chased home Tawqeet in the Melrose Handicap at the York Ebor meeting.