On the 9th of September Michelle Fortune writing for Setanta Sports - London, UK....
Despite having concerns over the quarantine procedures involved in sending his horses to Australia, Aidan O'Brien has entered six of his charges at the first declaration stage for the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
O'Brien has experience of sending horses Down Under, but he has come serious concerns over the strict quarantine regulations, which were heightened following the outbreak of equine influenza last year.
He has warned that none of his horses will make the long trip to Australia for the Spring Carnival if the quarantine regulations proved to be unworkable.
O’Brien has spoken of his desire to win the Melbourne Cup and has entered six horses in the world famous race, headed by triple Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats.
The veteran stayer made the trip in 2006 and another tilt at the world famous race remains a possible, although he will have to shoulder top-weight should he take up his entry in November.
Septimus is also included, while Macarthur, Honolulu, Alessandro Volta and Washington Irving complete the Ballydoyle sextet.
Eighteen overseas horses appeared in the 167 declared for the November 4 contest with two-time winner Dermot Weld represented by Profound Beauty.
More Wells could make the trip for Kevin Prendergast, while John Gosden has entered 2007 St Leger winner Lucarno alongside the Jeremy Noseda-trained Sixties Icon.
Godolphin have both Schiaparelli and Sagara among the entries, with Royal And Regal and Yellowstone possibles for Michael Jarvis and Jane Chapple-Hyam respectively.
There are no Japanese entries after Victorian racing officials decided not to allow the horses to fly directly from Japan.
Second declarations for the "Race That Stops a Nation" close on October 7.
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