ELLISON DUO RIPE FOR MELBOURNE

Brian Ellison is in bullish mood as he prepares Ebor winner Moyenne Corniche and stablemate Saptapadi for the Melbourne Cup on November 1.

The Malton handler has suffered desperate luck on his previous trips Down Under as Carte Diamond and Bay Story were both forced to miss the race.

Saptapadi was perhaps unlucky to be beaten into fifth by his stable companion on the Knavesmire in August and is particularly well handicapped for the Flemington highlight.

"They are both doing really well, worked brilliantly the other morning and I'm really looking forward to it," said Ellison.

"Everybody knows we haven't had great luck out there with the other horses we have taken out, but I honestly think they both have great chances.

"Moyenne Corniche has already won an Ebor, and Saptapadi ran a great race in it. He was drawn 22 and went wide all the way yet was only beaten three lengths.

"He's only got 8st 3lb in the Melbourne Cup and he's getting weight off horses he was giving weight to in the Ebor.

"Saptapadi is well-in (at the weights) but I've just got to get them both in now."

The Ellison-trained duo feature among 79 remaining horses following the latest forfeit stage.

Also set to make the journey from Yorkshire are Mark Johnston's Irish St Leger winner Jukebox Jury and German Leger hero Fox Hunt.

Others to feature among 14 possible international runners include last year's winner and top-weight Americain, and Luca Cumani's quartet of Manighar, Drunken Sailor, Sahara Sun and Bauer.

Godolphin could be represented by Modun and Lost In The Moment.

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