Global Weekly Preview - 05.08.16

Australia's famous Cups double - the G1 Caulfield and G1 Melbourne Cups - are scheduled for October 15 and November 1, respectively, but for most, the planning started months ago.

Any horse, who has either or both races on the radar, will already have in place a carefully mapped-out programme, drawn up by ambitious connections eager for a share of the Melbourne Springtime glory.

And the planning has been taking place on both sides of the world. Godolphin's Scottish is being aimed at the G3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park (UK) on Saturday, with trainer Charlie Appleby hoping the son of Teofilo can secure his place in both Cups with a convincing win.

In Sydney, the running of Saturday's G2 Missile Stakes, over 1,200m (6 furlongs) at Randwick, signals the official start of Spring racing - albeit in wintry conditions, with a Heavy 10 posted as the official going - and a succession of major contenders are set to be unveiled in the next few weeks.

So, 10 weeks away from the Caulfield Cup, Godolphin are eyeing further involvement in the major races on the Australian turf.

Scottish is a likely type to do well in Melbourne. He is progressive, but more importantly, he has a good turn-of-foot, which is essential to make an impact there, even in a race such as the two-mile Melbourne Cup.

A slight setback prevented Scottish making the trip to Glorious Goodwood, but he is on target to run a big race in the Rose Of Lancaster at Haydock, according to his trainer.

"I'm very happy with him going into this race," Appleby pointed out. "Hopefully, he can win again, and then he won't race again until Caulfield on October 15.

"He is an easy horse to get fit. He is clean-winded and straightforward," he added.

Quarantine for Caulfield Cup contenders commences in Newmarket (UK) on September 15. It involves two weeks isolation before departure, plus another two weeks on arrival in Melbourne, where the visitors are stabled at Werribee.

Scottish will face Goodwood winner Fire Fighting, fresh from a 10th career win, the disappointing G2 Dante Stakes third Foundation, as well as Arab Spring, who resumes following a 15-month absence.