Fresh from a winning ride in the Cox Plate, James McDonald has quickly set his sights on what shapes as another ominous Flemington Cup carnival.
Following his recordbreaking efforts last year - including victory in the Melbourne Cup - the Kiwi jockey has had his first look at the horse he hopes can bring him back-to-back success.
Flying down the Flemington straight, McDonald hopes this is a sign of things to come from Loft, before next Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.
"He moves extremely well, but his condition is spot on."
Loft is second favourite for 'The Race That Stops a Nation', with McDonald chasing a repeat of last year's result on Verry Elleegant.
"It'd be a dream come true, wouldn't it?" he mused.
McDonald was on Cloud Nine with a 'perfect 10' wins across last year's Melbourne Cup carnival, setting a new record.
Among his rides this year are a couple of Kiwi horses who've made the trip across the Tasman, including La Crique.
Trainer Katrina Alexander is delighted to have McDonald in the saddle for Saturday's Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes
"It gives you a huge amount of confidence, so we'll be a little bit nervous to see what he thinks of her when he rides her, but I'm sure she'll give him a wonderful feel," she said.
"She's got great form back home," said McDonald. "She made a mess of them last start and she looks a lovely race."
McDonald will also partner Kiwi-trained Sharp N Smart, who'll back up from a Group 1 win at Sydney on the weekend to take on the Victoria Derby this Saturday.
"He looks really well," he said. "I'd love a lovely gate for him - I think it'd be important."
He'll need to be good to beat favourite Mr Maestro for Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman.
"The preparation's gone exactly how we've wanted it to," said Forsman. "If we do get beat, hopefully it's one of the Kiwis who get the job done.
The Kiwis horses are ready to take on the best the Aussies have to offer over the coming fortnight.
Join us next Tuesday for live updates of Melbourne Cup raceday at Flemington
