Willie Mullins is chasing a piece of Melbourne Cup history once again, with the master Irish horseman set to arrive in Australia on Monday ahead of Absurde’s third tilt at the great race.

The trip follows Mullins claiming his maiden Breeders’ Cup victory on Sunday, when Ethical Diamond produced a strong performance to win the Turf at Del Mar.

Mullins will travel to Melbourne with fellow Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer Bill Mott, who will saddle Parchment Party – the first American-trained horse ever to contest the Melbourne Cup.

Mullins’ pursuit of Cup glory stretches back over two decades, first bringing Holy Orders in the early 2000s. His closest call remains Max Dynamite’s runner-up finish in 2015.

Absurde, meanwhile, has built a strong Cup profile, having finished seventh and fifth in his previous attempts and heading into this year’s race off a solid run in the Caulfield Cup.

There was temporary concern midweek when Racing Victoria vets queried his action from training footage.

But Irish-based assistant David Casey, who has overseen the gelding locally, was unfazed, and veterinary clearance was granted on Saturday.

“I check him after every run and piece of work at home, and I know the way he is,” Casey said.

“It (the inspection) was soon after his piece of work (on Thursday) and I knew he would be fine the next morning.

“Thankfully, he was good on Friday and again on Saturday morning and touch wood, I expect everything to be good on Monday.”

While Mullins is pleased with Absurde’s condition, forecast rain isn’t particularly welcome.

“I’m not sure that we want all the rain that is coming, but we’ll deal with it and we’re looking forward to the race,” Casey said.

Kerrin McEvoy, chasing a record-equalling fourth Cup win, maintains the ride.

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