From Dunstall Park to Flemington: Cross Counter's rise to the top

Cross Counter's biggest moment may have come on the turf at Flemington, but the Charlie Appleby-trained Melbourne Cup winner began his career in more humble surroundings on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

The three-year-old won two novice races at the end of last year and beginning of 2018 – the second by eight lengths – with his career path further evidence of a growing trend that trainers are unafraid to start off top-class horses on an artificial surface.

Dual Arc and Breeders' Cup Turf heroine Enable made a winning debut at Newcastle, while John Gosden used Wolverhampton as a starting point for Irish Derby and Sheema Classic winner Jack Hobbs.