Defending Melbourne Cup champion Dunaden has been confirmed for a trip to Australia for a second attempt at Australia’s biggest race and will also compete in the Caulfield Cup.

Dunaden

Dunaden will make the trip to Australia to defend their Melbourne Cup title. Photo by: Taron Clarke

Owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s racing manager David Redvers announced Dunaden’s spring plans on twitter last night.

“Pleased to announce to his legion of fans down under that a decision has been made to send Dunaden down to defend his Crown via Caulfield,” Redvers tweeted.

Redvers also confirmed the star seven-year-old would not race again before the Caulfield Cup meaning he will chase glory in the two major spring features without having tasted victory for 10 months.

Since winning last year’s Melbourne Cup, the Mikel Delzangles-trained horse has had five starts for one win and three place finishes.

The son of Nicobar, with globetrotting Australian jockey Craig Williams aboard, won the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase in December before having a fourt-start European campaign that began in May.

Dunaden finished third at Group 2 level at Newmarket and in France before running second to Sea Moon in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The only race of his preparation at Group 1 level came on July 21 when he finished sixth and 3 ½ lengths behind winner Danedream.

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