Racing: Americain set for win

Americain. Photo / Getty Images

A solid final workout has the Americain camp confident the defending Melbourne Cup champion can make it back-to-back wins in the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville, France, tomorrow night (NZT).

The Australian-owned son of Dynaformer won the 3000m group two event at his final European start before coming to Australia last spring and champion French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre is sticking with the winning formula.

Part-owner Colleen Bamford said connections were this week informed of how the 7-year-old had progressed since his win in the listed Prix de Reux (2500m) on August 2.

"We got an email yesterday with some photos and he had his last good gallop [on Wednesday morning] before the race on Sunday and he looked amazing," Bamford said.

The Prix Kergorlay will be Americain's final start before embarking on another Australian trip, where he is also entered for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

Entries for the $6 million Melbourne Cup close on September 1.

In other carnival news, approval of quarantine facilities at Ballydoyle has boosted the chances of So You Think returning to Australia for a crack at winning his third Cox Plate.

- AAP