The Melbourne Cup remains in play for Middle Earth and his new part owner, Ciaron Maher, after making a successful 2024 bow in the Group III Aston Park Stakes at Newbury.

Purchased online for a mere $2,500 after breaking her maiden at Kembla, the Turffontein mare Aureus Angel has been a regular fixture in stakes races in Queensland this season and was rewarded at Doomben on Saturday when capturing the Magic Millions Bright Shadow Stakes (1100m).