Australian Bloodstock has secured top-class European stayer Al Riffa with the express goal of targeting this year’s Melbourne Cup, where he will be prepared by dual Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien.

Al Riffa, who stormed to victory in the Group 2 Curragh Cup in July, will remain in O’Brien’s care throughout his Australian campaign. Following the Melbourne Cup, he is set to pursue major international events, including the Hong Kong International Races in December and the Dubai World Cup meeting in March.

“He’s the obvious horse,” Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett said. “After his last win over a mile-and-a-half, he showed he was a natural stayer. The two miles of the Melbourne Cup should be no problem.”

Al Riffa will have a final lead-up run in the Irish St Leger on September 14 before joining the second wave of Spring Carnival arrivals. Lovett added that the ownership group behind the stayer spans Europe, Dubai and Australia, and their ambition is to win the Cup rather than simply contest it.

“From our point of view, it’s exciting. The ownership team wanted not only to be part of the Melbourne Cup but to have a real chance of winning it,” Lovett said. “After Melbourne, he’ll travel to Hong Kong and hopefully Dubai, giving the owners a global racing experience.”

Punters can already find Al Riffa in early Melbourne Cup betting, with markets available at leading betting sites.