Americain began his defence of the Melbourne Cup on a winning note at Deauville on Tuesday.  Three months out from the first Tuesday in November, the Alain de Royer trained galloper won the LR Prix de Reux (2500m) by a length.

Americain (6h Dynaformer – America by Arazi) swooped on long-time leader Diamond Boy inside the final furlong and quickened impressively under Gerald Mosse.  “He is spot on and will now go for the Prix Kergorlay,” de Royer-Dupre said  “He may not have another race before the Melbourne Cup.”

The French stallion is a son of Three Chimneys Farm champion Dynaformer.  His dam America won races at Longchamp (3) and Maisons-Laffitte when trained by Criquette Head.  She has also thrown winners by Gone West, War Chant and Red Ransom.  

“Americain is one of the best looking horses I have ever sat on,” Mosse claimed at Deauville.  “He is coming back to his best and has picked up nicely after a flat spot earlier this year.”

Americain created history in the 2010 VRC Melbourne Cup when he became the first French stayer to win Australia’s iconic event.  He is raced by Melbourne-based owners Gerry Ryan and Kevin Bamford.