Classy Japanese import Ambitious will attempt to defy history and the handicapper in Friday’s $180,000 Albury Gold Cup.

Victories by Gallante in the Sydney Cup and Lucia Valentina in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick meant that four autumn carnival Group One winners carried the blood of deceased European classic star and sire Montjeu in their immediate pedigrees.

Anthony Freedman is very happy with Lucas Cranach going into Saturday's Australian Cup but he maintains that rival Americain is entitled to be favourite.

Classy Wodonga galloper Berringama will be off the scene for up to 12 months due to injury.

Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter has today announced a 2kg penalty for Metropolitan Handicap winner The Verminator in both the BMW Caulfield Cup and Emirates Melbourne Cup.