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Godolphin trainer James Cummings will wait until after a Tuesday track gallop before deciding if multiple G1 winner Hartnell runs in Saturday’s $1 million Australian Cup at Flemington.

The seven-year-old import has been in top form since resuming last month, following a first-up win in the G1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 10 before a third behind Australian Cup rivals Gailo Chop and Single Gaze in the G1 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at the same course on February 24/

Hartnell has been travelling between Godolphin’s Osborne Park base near Sydney to Melbourne for his races as Cummings prefers to keep the import in a relaxed rural environment.

Despite his current form Cummings said the gelding would have to impress him in Tuesday’s workout to warrant a start in the Australian Cup.

Classy Kiwi mare Devise is set to take her chance in the Australian Cup according to trainer Shaune Ritchie with Hong Kong-based Chad Schofield booked to ride the last start G1 winner.

n another Australian Cup move trainer Archie Alexander will apply blinkers to his talented stayer Lord Fandango.

The 5YO gelding won the G2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last October and has had two runs this preparation, finishing third in the G3 TS Carlyon Cup (1600m) before running ninth in the Peter Young Stakes.

The 2016 Melbourne Cup winner Almandin will head the three-strong team from the Lloyd Williams team in the Australian Cup.

Williams also intends to start the newer imports Horseman and The Taj Mahal.

Almandin, now an eight-year-old resumed, resumed with a second to Horseman in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield.

The Taj Mahal has not raced since he defeated Almandin in the G2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown in November.