CROSS COUNTER IN CUP QUEST

CROSS Counter is bigger and stronger ahead of his Melbourne Cup defence, according to Godolphin’s Chris Connett.

The headline act in trainer Chris Appleby’s five-horse string at Werribee, the fouryear-old will have to lug 6.5kg more this year than the 51kg he carried to victory last season at Flemington.

But Connett believes Cross Counter is up to the task as he bids to join Archer, Peter Pan, Rain Lover, Think Big and Makybe Diva as multiple Cup winners.

“That's why we're here,” he said.

“He's strengthened up from three to four physically. Last year he was a bit of an angular type and this time he's filled out his frame a bit more.

“Charlie said after last year's Cup that we would like to come back and defend the crown and he's acquitted himself well enough in England at Group 1 level. He's fit and well but it's a big ask to go again, but he's a good horse.”

Cross Counter and Ispolini, Appleby’s other Cup contender, handled the long flight from England well before working lightly at Werribee.

Connett said Cross Counter’s formline, without winning recently, was creditable.

“He has taken on the world's best stayer in Stradivarius a couple of times and to be beaten by him is no disgrace, while in the Irish St Leger things didn't quite work out,” he said. “They've been very solid runs without being spectacular.”

Connett said Ispolini had the right profile for the Cup.

“He's a little less exposed than Cross Counter but we think he's well weighted, so we're very positive going in with two live chances,” Connett said.

Appleby also has D'bai, Setting Sail and Walton Street here for lesser races.