France tightened its grip on the Melbourne Cup after Dunaden won the G3 Geelong Cup on Wednesday.  

Dunaden (6h Nicobar – La Marlia by Kaldounevees) firmed into a $9 second favourite for the Melbourne Cup after he came with a powerful finish to defeat Tanby (Galileo) and Bauer (Halling).

French star Americain is the current $7.50 favourite to defend his Cup crown.  He had also won the Geelong Cup before doubling up at Flemington.

Dunaden is trained by Mikel Delzangles for Pearl Bloodstock owner Sheikh Fahad al Thani of Qatar.  

He began racing in the French Riviera and landed a 2200m maiden at Cagnes-sur-mer in January 2010.  He won at Longchamp in October and finished the year with a Listed victory at Lyon.

Dunaden resumed with a G3 win in the Prix De Barbeville (3200m) at Longchamp in April.  Americain trailed him three lengths in arrears.

Before entering quarantine, he was beaten six lengths by Jukebox Jury in the G2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville.

Jukebox Jury (Montjeu) followed up with a G1 triumph in the Irish St Leger.  He is on the fifth line of pre-post betting at $15 for the Melbourne Cup.

Dunaden’s sire Nicobar (Indian Ridge) was a Group 2 winner in England and Italy.  He is based south of Lyon at Ecuries de la Daudaies.