RACING/News Round-Up: Vinnie Roe has begun the final leg of his preparation for the Melbourne Cup with Dermot Weld admitting the long trip to Australia has taken more than expected out of the double Leger winner.

Vinnie Roe had his first canter at Sandown racecourse yesterday where he is stabled with stable companion Media Puzzle.

Weld said: "He lost a little bit more weight travelling over than I would have cared for.

"He travelled alright, but it took a bit out of him which is why I sent them over a week earlier than normal.

"Media Puzzle travelled better and will run in the Geelong Cup where he will be ridden by Damien Oliver."

Before Melbourne's spring festival, Weld is likely to be at the Breeders' Cup at Arlington with his star three-year-old fillies, Dress To Thrill and Irresistible Jewel.

"A final decision won't be taken until next week but it's a strong possibility that they will run in the Mile and fillies and mares races," he said.

The jockeys' focus in recent weeks has been on the three-handed battle for the flat title but Cashmans believe the National Hunt championship is also a three-horse race.

The Cork firm make Paul Carberry and Ruby Walsh 5 to 4 joint favourites for the jump jockeys' crown with the other former champion Barry Geraghty on 7 to 2.

It's 33 to 1 bar the three.

The three of them are at Downpatrick today where Walsh looks up to scoring on Charizad in the handicap hurdle and Carberry could hit the mark with the course specialist Clever Consul.

Manjoe ran third to Flexible Action at Listowel and a repeat of that might be enough in the bumper.

Catch The Dragon can make the long journey north from Pat Flynn's yard worthwhile in the apprentice handicap.