Bart Cummings has begun his quest for a 13th Melbourne Cup confirming last years winner Viewed and AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor in Sydney undertaking light trackwork after the post Autumn carnival spells. The last AJC Derby winner to kick on and win the Melbourne Cup as a four year old was Phar Lap in 1930.

In other Melbourne Cup news, it appears that the fall-out of EI from 2007 will continue to keep Japanses horses away from the Melbourne Cup, which for the locals is probably a good thing with the way Deltra Blues and Pop Rock put everyone to the sword in 2006. At least the likes of Viewed, Efficient and Tuesday Joy will be able to continue their punishment of those from the UK, one way to ensure the Cup stays down-under.

And finally for those in New Zealand, it looks like Cambridge is looking to set itself as New Zealand’s offical Melbourne Cup region with plans to host NZ’s large, most public Melbourne Cup celebration this year. Why Cambridge you ask? Well, it has been the home of 14 Melbourne Cup winners, with eight having an association with Cambridge Stud. So if you are in NZ and want to embrace the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November then Cambridge is your place, almost as good as being there. For more information visit, The First Tuesday Trust.