Simon and Ed Crisford have developed a strong understanding of what it takes to compete in the Melbourne Cup, and they believe Meydaan has earned his chance.

The British father-and-son training partnership previously travelled Without A Fight to Australia in 2022 before he later won the Cup the following year for Anthony and Sam Freedman.

They also prepared West Wind Blows, who finished second in the 2023 Caulfield Cup. Now they take aim with Meydaan as their latest Cup hopeful.

Meydaan’s lead-up effort came when ninth in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18. Top jockey James McDonald takes the ride.

McDonald has been hands-on, travelling to Werribee multiple times to familiarise himself with the gelding.

Ed Crisford returned to Melbourne on Friday to oversee the final steps of Meydaan’s preparation and reported the horse is thriving.

“The horse is great. He’s woken up a bit. He looks fantastic,” Crisford said.

“Genuinely, he’s really spot on.

“James has come in and ridden him in a couple of breezes and was very happy with the horse.

“His condition is good, his weight is good.

“He’s got the 22 spot, that’s not ideal, but hopefully on a wet track, being on the outside is better than being on the inside.”

Rain is expected early in the week, and Crisford is hopeful conditions remain manageable.

“I think he prefers some softer ground than firmer ground,” he said.

“If it goes heavy, I don’t know. We’ll have to see, but if it’s soft, I think we’ll be OK.”

The booking of McDonald was influenced by owner Sheikh Al Maktoum, who wanted an Australian-based rider following Andrea Atzeni’s Caulfield Cup ride.

“The owner always said he wanted a local jockey and he (McDonald) was available,” Crisford said.

“We’ll have to leave it up to James now, there’s nothing we can do from that draw.”

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