Mer De Glace replicated Admire Rakti by winning the A$5m (£2.64m/€3.07m) Stella Artois Caulfield Cup for Japan on Saturday.

Damian Lane's mount stayed on strongly to run out a convincing winner of the 18-runner Group 1 handicap.

The five-year-old scored by a length from Vow And Declare with Mirage Dancer a head behind in third.

Mer De Glace's trainer Hisashi 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 here 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."

British-trained runners Gold Mount and Red Verdon finished in mid-division and will head to the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5 next.

Ian Willams said of Gold Mount: “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.

“I’m very happy with his run and he could have finished a good deal closer if we’d have had a bit of luck in running.

“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.”

Red Verdon was another to be unlucky in running, finishing eighth and earning A$120,000 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 [Cosgrave] felt he could have finished top four with a clear run and the extra trip will be in his favour at Flemington.”

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