Willie Mullins is set for another attempt at securing one of Australian racing’s most iconic prizes, with the champion Irish trainer bound for the Melbourne Cup this week.

On Sunday morning (Australian time), Mullins celebrated a major milestone when Ethical Diamond captured the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar, giving him his first Breeders’ Cup success.

The attention now shifts back to Flemington, where Absurde will have his third crack at the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Tuesday.

Mullins will touch down in Melbourne on Monday alongside fellow Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer Bill Mott, who prepared Scylla to win the Distaff.

Mott is set to create history when Parchment Party becomes the first U.S.-trained runner to start in the Melbourne Cup.

Mullins has chased Cup victory since the early 2000s, first travelling with Holy Orders, who finished 17th behind Makybe Diva in the first of her famous three Cup victories. His closest finish to date remains Max Dynamite’s gallant second in 2015.

Absurde has already proven his competitiveness in the race, finishing seventh and fifth in the previous two editions. His latest lead-up run was a strong seventh in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18.

There was a moment of concern earlier in the week when Racing Victoria vets noted a change in Absurde’s gait based on video footage.

But travelling foreman David Casey was never worried and the gelding was cleared to run after a Saturday inspection.

“I check him after every run and piece of work at home, and I know the way he is,” Casey said.

“It (the inspection) was soon after his piece of work (on Thursday) and I knew he would be fine the next morning.

“Thankfully, he was good on Friday and again on Saturday morning and touch wood, I expect everything to be good on Monday.”

All Cup hopefuls undergo a final pre-race scan on Monday.

Casey said Absurde has come through his run in the Caulfield Cup in excellent order.

“He pulled out of the run very good,” Casey said.

“I think the race did him the world of good and his work during the week was very good.

“I’m not sure that we want all the rain that is coming, but we’ll deal with it and we’re looking forward to the race.”

Kerrin McEvoy, who already boasts three Melbourne Cups, will take the ride as he attempts to join Harry White and Bobby Lewis as a four-time Cup winner.

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