Racing: Americain makes himself at home in rural Victoria

David Hayes. Photo / Getty Images

Victorian trainer David Hayes says Americain has settled into his new surroundings after arriving at his Euroa property late last week.

Hayes said the 7-year-old was in terrific order but wouldn't be asked to do too much before Christmas.

"He has a great nature and is doing very well," Hayes said. "He has been here four or five days and he is just having a very easy time familiarising himself with the property for a couple of weeks with no pressure.

"It is all a bit new to him but we are showing him how to go out in the paddock which he has never really done.

"He is a sensible horse and I think he will adjust pretty well."

Americain's handler Stephanie Nigge has joined the Hayes team to maintain a supervisory role with the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner.

Until now the International Horse Centre at Werribee racecourse is the only home Americain has known on his two trips to Australia.

Hayes was appointed a week ago as his new trainer, taking over from France's Alain de Royer-Dupre.

Hayes has flagged the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington in March as a preferred autumn target. The alternative is Sydney's Ranvet Stakes (2000m), while the BMW (2400m) is his other group one weight-for-age mission.

Americain has raced five times in Australia for wins in the 2010 Geelong and Melbourne Cups, this year's Moonee Valley Cup and an easy last-start victory in the Sandown Classic (2400m) on November 12.

His only Australian defeat was a luckless fourth to compatriot Dunaden in this year's Melbourne Cup.

- AAP