Murtagh's Mutual all set for Melbourne Cup Mutual Regard will compete in the Emirates Melbourne Cup without the aid of a prep run. Trainer Johnny Murtagh is happy to send this season's Ebor winner into battle at Flemington on November 4 as a fresh horse. The Andrew Tinkler-trained five-year-old enjoyed a beneficial workout at Werribee racecourse on Monday morning under the supervision of his trainer. Murtagh said: "He's settled in very well. He's a pretty straightforward horse. "He travelled over good. He lost a few kilos but he's putting that back on now. "He's going well. He seems to be nice and fresh. I think he'll go straight for the race. He goes well fresh. "I just hope I have him in the same shape as when he turned up at York." Murtagh is likely to be doubly represented in the Melbourne Cup with the Tinkler-owned Royal Diamond, who arrives in Australia from quarantine on Saturday. The County Kildare handler told www.racing.com: "The girl who is looking after him in quarantine is very happy. "He's moving great. If he turns up with his A-game he'd have a definite shout. "He's a seasoned traveller. I don't think there'll be any problems with him. "It's very exciting to have two horses in the Melbourne Cup."
