Connections of an English stayer with form around the current 2017 Melbourne Cup favourite have confirmed their intention to tackle Australia's greatest race.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained St Michel was beaten a neck by Red Cardinal last time out in the Grade III Belmont Gold Cup Invitational Stakes over two miles at Belmont on June 10.
"St Michel is heading for the Melbourne Cup and he'll probably have one run somewhere before he goes," Prescott told Thoroughbred Daily News.
"He'd get into the race in most years with his current rating but if he doesn't he'll run in one of the other big races down there."
A four-year-old entire son of Sea The Stars, St Michel has finished second in both his starts this year.
A winner three times over two miles in England, St Michel finished third in last year's Group II Doncaster Cup over 2m2f.
He has a current BHA rating of 112.
Red Cardinal is $15 favourite for the 2017 Melbourne Cup with several wagering firms before nominations.
You can watch the Belmont Gold Cup below, St Michel in the dark blue jacket, white sleeves towards the rear soon after the start.
