Racing: Overseas entries consider chances

English syndicator Harry Herbert seems like the last person to drop a name.

But at yesterday's Melbourne Cup press conference he just had to drop ONE in.

"I've just been talking to Sir Alex Ferguson and he's very excited."

Herbert manages the hugely successful England-based Highclere syndicate, which manages Melbourne Cup runner Distinction.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of Distinction's 20 owners.

"He's very excited that the horse is paying $25. He said grab as much money as you can and put the bloody lot on."

Herbert was representing Distinction's trainer Sir Michael Stout.

Distinction is no mean Melbourne Cup hope. He finished a remarkable sixth to Makybe Diva in last year's cup after getting well back in running following a bad check.

His biggest problem this time is that he has been re-handicapped for a recent win in England and is up to 56.5kg from 54kg last year.

"He's starting to pick up very well," said Herbert. Distinction looked particularly bright in the coat when restricted to walking at Sandown yesterday. He will be ridden by Irishman Mick Kinane, who began the long trip from New York after riding at yesterday's Breeders Cup meeting at Belmont.

South African trainer Mike De Kock expects a better effort from the New Zealand-bred Greys Inn than what the public has seen in two Australian races so far.

Greys Inn finished fourth to El Segundo in the Yalumba Stakes then appeared to be flat-footed when the speed picked up at the 900m in the Cox Plate.

His Hong Kong-based rider Weichong Marwing told the conference that the wet track for the Cox Plate did not help.

Mark Tompkins is delighted Franklins Gardens is back on track after suffering a stone bruise, which he says was blown up a bit by the press.

"The [VRC] vet inspected him after he trotted up a little while ago and he was happy."

Tompkins is not afraid to speak his mind and seems almost offended that Franklins Gardens is quoted at $100 for the Cup.

"He's a very decent horse this," he said emphatically, "a proper horse."

David O'Callaghan, the Australian-based manager for the connections of Japanese runner Eye Popper, said his camp was delighted with the progress of the horse since his luckless close second to Railings in the Caulfield Cup, where he sat three and four wide for much of the race.

"I acknowledge the criticism of the ride. But the important thing is that he's in form - the Caulfield Cup showed that - and we believe he's very well handicapped at 54kg."

Eye Popper has shortened in to $8 with bookmakers.