Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien believes Highland Reel has the right profile to give him and owners Coolmore a second successive Cox Plate.
Highland Reel has left Ireland with Melbourne Cup contenders Bondi Beach and Kingfisher who will be the stable’s first Cup runners since 2008.
“Our three horses for Melbourne departed from Shannon airport this morning,” O’Brien said..
“Highland Reel, who has a similar profile to Adelaide, is being aimed at the Cox Plate.
“Bondi Beach and Kingfisher are both tough and genuine horses who we believe have the necessary class and stamina for the Melbourne Cup.”
The trainer confirmed Order Of St George had suffered a setback ruling him out of the trip.
“Order Of St George had a minor training setback and we’ve decided to put him away for next year,” O’Brien said.
Bondi Beach has rarely been away from the headlines this season.
Hampered when second in the Great Voltigeur at York, he was bumped in the St Leger at Doncaster by Simple Verse and promoted to first place on the day, a decision subsequently reversed on appeal.
Second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, Kingfisher was last seen finishing eighth to Order Of St George at the Curragh.
The three horses will arrive in Melbourne on Saturday.
