Epsom winner Private Eye is heading to Queensland in search of truer surfaces.

Happy Trails is in top shape as he gets set to defend his title in the $1 million Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington, a track where he gets his best results.

French trainer Antoine De Watrigant has put Gailo Chop's Cox Plate failure behind him and believes racegoers will see a different horse at Flemington.

Damien Oliver and Joao Moreira are two of the world's best jockeys and they fought out a thrilling finishing to the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.

New Zealand mare Costume will be out to cause a Group One upset in the Mackinnon Stakes as she prepares for motherhood.