Bookmakers shortened the odds for Green Moon in Caulfield and Melbourne Cups markets after the Irish bred stayer scored a game victory in the G3 Newcastle Gold Cup on Thursday.

Green Moon (5h Montjeu – Green Noon by Green Tune) was trimmed into $26 and $51 for the two legs of the Cups double but isn’t a certain starter.  He has been handicapped on 50kg for both races and will need a penalty to qualify.

Green Moon fought off several challenges at Broadmeadow to win by a head from Home On A Wing and Gazza Guru.  “He lost form in England and was put up for sale,” part-owner Nick Williams said.  “We thought the Australian way of racing would suit and we like him a lot.”

Trained by Harry Dunlop in England, Green Moon scored a hat-trick of wins at Leicester, Newbury and Newmarket in April – May 2010 but didn’t train on during the latter half of the year.

He was raced by owner-breeder Ben Goldsmith, a son of the late Sir James Goldsmith who bred Montjeu.  The champion colt was named after the Goldsmith family’s chateau in France.

Ben Goldsmith catalogued Green Moon for the Tattersalls October Sale last year but the horse was withdrawn and sold privately to Team Williams.

Green Moon is the sole foal from Longchamp G3 winner Green Noon.  The dam was also runner-up to Storm Cat filly Denebola in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac.