Melbourne Cup champion Gold Trip has pulled up well following a third-place finish in the Caulfield Cup and is set to run at Moonee Valley.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained horse drew barrier eight for Saturday's Cox Plate (2040m).
Following Tuesday's barrier draw, Maher failed to lock in Gold Trip for the $5 million weight-for-age race, but said the six-year-old was tracking nicely.
"We were always pretty keen to run in the Cox Plate," Maher said.
"We'll keep an eye on the track and make sure the horse is fine.
"But early signs are good and he seems to have come through pretty well, seems in pretty good order."
Gold Trip is rated a $9 chance to add a Cox Plate to last year's Melbourne Cup, with Hong Kong horse Romantic Warrior a $4 favourite.
Maher and Eustace tasted success with Sir Dragonet at an empty Valley in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pair also have another runner, King Colorado, in Saturday's big race.
"It was pretty nice (winning) with no one here, but I'm sure it'll be a lot different with people here, but we'll see how we go," Maher said.
Romantic Warrior's trainer Danny Shum said the Hong Kong five-year-old was in better shape than when he placed fourth in the Turnbull Stakes on October 7.
"I give him 90 or 95 per cent (fitness) now," Shum said.
"He hadn't been raced for four-and-a-half months on the Turnbull Stakes.
"He's got a big chance to win the Cox Plate, he should be the favourite, according to his form."
The trainer said the horse had been receiving good support back home in Hong Kong, but he has given friends and family some sage advice.
"They ask me the tips and I always say, 'Don't bet too much, keep your money and only bet what you can afford'," Shum said.
It promises to be another big weekend at Moonee Valley, with the 140th running of the Gold Cup taking place on Friday night, with the Manikato Stakes likely to go ahead directly before the Cox Plate.
2023 COX PLATE FIELD
1 - Romantic Warrior (barrier 7)
2 - Zaaki (12)
3 - Mr Brightside (2)
4 - Alligator Blood (5)
5 - Gold Trip (8)
6 - My Oberon (4)
7 - Pinstriped (11)
8 - Fangirl (9)
9 - Duais (1)
10 - Victoria Road (6)
11 - Militarize (3)
12 - King Colorado (10)
