Joy for Japan as Mer De Glace breezes to Caulfield Cup success

Scattered showers of rain were followed by stirring streams of tears for the Japanese travelling team as Mer De Glace became the second winner from the country to land the A$5m (£2.64m/€3.07m) Stella Artois Caulfield Cup.

The decision of trainer Hisashi Shimizu, encouraged by jockey Damian Lane, to make the trip to Melbourne was emphatically justified as the U Carrot Farm-owned four-year-old powered home for a first top-level success.

Mer De Glace, who replicated Admire Rakti's victory in 2014, was shortened into 10-1 with Sky Bet (from 28-1) to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5 after his length triumph over Vow And Declare, with Mirage Dancer a head back in third.

A decision on Mer De Glace's participation in Australia's most prestigious race is expected next week after assessing the multiple Grade 3 winner in Japan.

Shimizu said: "I was a little bit worried as she had plenty of ground to make up, but I had huge faith in Damian and the horse. It's a great experience to be over here."

He added: "We decided after his last run to come over and Damian played a huge part in that call.

"We'll see how the horse comes out of the race and talk with the owners regarding the Melbourne Cup."

Lane enjoyed a successful stint in Japan earlier this year and the connections he made have paid off handsomely.

He said: "I just begged them to come here because I knew he was off a winnable weight. I'll be forever grateful that they brought him out here."

There was a subsequent blow for Lane, who was suspended for ten meetings and fined A$20,000 (£10,570/€12,280) for interference caused aboard the winner, followed by another ten-meeting suspension for the same offence in the following race.

Lane has deferred his ban until after the Cox Plate on Saturday week, when he rides favourite Lys Gracieux, then will return on Melbourne Cup day.

British-trained runners Gold Mount and Red Verdon finished in mid-division, suffering interference in running, and will head straight to the Melbourne Cup.

Red Verdon was squeezed out of contention approaching the final furlong under Pat Cosgrave, who earlier finished third on Royal Meeting in the Ladbrokes Moonga Stakes, but stayed on to finish eighth, earning A$120,000 (£63,406/€73,671) for owner Ronnie Arculli.

Robin-Trevor Jones, travelling head groom for Ed Dunlop, said: "Everything was going smoothly until a furlong out when he got tight for room.

"Pat felt he could have finished top four with a clear run. The extra trip will be in his favour at Flemington."

Gold Mount was another short for room at a crucial stage and was forced to try and make headway up the inside.

Ian Williams said: "He ran a great prep race for the Melbourne Cup. He just got in the wrong position because of the draw and trying to find his way through was tough, leaving him on probably the worst of the ground.

"He's certainly on course for his main target and there should be improvement to come at the Melbourne Cup trip and if granted luck in running next time."

A packed Caulfield watches the action on Saturday

There is a new favourite for the Melbourne Cup following Caulfield's showpiece event as eyecatching fourth Constantinople was shortened into a general 13-2 (from 10-1).

"It was a brilliant run," said Tom Dabernig, who trains the Ballydoyle recruit in partnership with David and Ben Hayes.

"He's a big-striding horse and a lot of times when they get disappointed for a run like he did they can't get their momentum to finish off. He overcame that and attacked the line."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app