2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain is on track to defend their title this year

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Americain remains on track to defend his title this year after he won the Listed Prix de Reux at Deauville on Tuesday.

The talented seven-year-old was first-up in the race after a three month spell following his disappointing European campaign earlier in the year.

Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre believes that Americain is back to his best in time for the Melbourne spring carnival.

“He was not happy in the (northern hemisphere) spring and it takes time to recover after crossing the world,” Royer-Dupre said.

“Americain is a seasonal horse who comes to his best at this time. The horse is now spot-on.

“Like last year, he will now go and try to win another Prix Kergorlay (August 21) and then go into quarantine.

“He may not have another race before the Melbourne Cup.”

Jockey Gerald Mosse, who rode Americain to his Melbourne Cup triumph, agrees the horse is in top shape.

“Americain is one of the best looking horses I have ever sat on and he is coming back to his best,” Mosse said.

“He picked up nicely after a flat spot.”

While the Melbourne Cup will most likely be Americain’s only Australian run, Royer-Dupre has nominated the horse for both the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate as a back-up.