No horse has won NZ and Aust derbies followed by Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Hong Kong-based Zac Purton was called before stewards to explain his ride on Japanese stayer Fame Game in the Caulfield Cup.
Racing Victoria stewards had concerns over Purton's ride from the 800m mark of Saturday's race and his alleged lack of vigour over the final 100m.
Stewards, through an interpreter,questioned Fame Game's trainer Yoshitada Munakata over his instructions to Purton.
Munakata told stewards the instructions given were from barrier one to get back, not to go too wide and to ride between horses. "This horse tries harder between horses," Munakata said. He said the horse had travelled from Japan to win both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Purton told stewards he was taking runs as they presented but was being buffeted by horses.
Meanwhile, Tommy Berry, who rode Trip To Paris into second place behind Mongolian Khan, said: "He travelled really well for me in the run. Every time I asked of him he picked up well and he sprinted through the gap at the top of the straight. I thought I was going to pick up the winner but he stole a bit of a march but the Melbourne Cup looks to be the right race for him now."
Ben Melham, third on Our Ivanhowe, said: "Hopefully he tightens up from that and I'm looking forward to seeing him at the two miles."AAP
