Racing: Internationals wind up for Mackinnon Stakes

Trevieres has been back this week after being restricted to walking exercise last week after suffering a muscle strain in his hindquarters. Photo / Thinkstock

The Mackinnon Stakes has become the latest target for the strongest and largest international contingent assembled for a Melbourne Spring Carnival.

The traditional Melbourne Cup lead-up on Derby Day is on the agenda for French galloper Trevieres, who is recovering from a slight injury suffered since his impressive Australian debut in the Toorak Hcp.

Trevieres finished a close second in the Toorak and his handler Stephanie Nigge believes the step up from 1600m to 2000m will suit the horse perfectly. "The 2000m start at Flemington is the best at the track and it will suit him to have the long run to the first turn.

"And the distance on a flat track like that is ideal for him."

Trevieres has been back this week after being restricted to walking exercise last week after suffering a muscle strain in his hindquarters.

Nigge, whose knowledge of Flemington and the spring carnival was honed by her supervision of Americain's three Melbourne Cup preparations, said the horse had lost none of his fitness and his preparation had not been compromised by the problem.

"We'd thought about the Emirates Stakes for him but his work has been really good this week and the Mackinnon really looks like a good race for him," she said on Friday.

Trevieres stretched out during a 1200m canter without any sign of discomfort at Werribee on Thursday, during a session in which the English raider Simenon was the star worker.

Simenon has already proved his fitness and well-being with a third placing in his only Australian start and is on target for the Melbourne Cup.

The Luca Cumani-trained Cup runner Mount Athos also performed strong work with the trainer's wife in the saddle, putting in two strong 1200m gallops.

Of the imports, a slight cloud has settled over French galloper Shikarpour, who is to join the Lloyd Williams stable.

The 4-year-old formerly trained by Alain de Royer Dupre hasn't been on the track since arriving a week ago.

A smaller question mark is also against the name of Godolphin's lone Cup entrant Royal Empire who arrived last Monday and whose only exercise has been a leisurely walk on Thursday.

- AAP