The possibility of an American runner competing in the Foster's Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November has gained momentum.

As Amerique, trained by former Harewood trainer Michael Dickinson and also entered in the Caulfield Cup, will reportedly go into quarantine before jetting off down under. The horse is ranked 21st in the Melbourne Cup order of entry. The Melbourne Cup has become accustomed to having overseas raiders. Dermot Weld's Vintage Crop provided Europe with a historic first win in 1993.