Appleby, on his first trip to Melbourne, had saddled Scottish to finish an heroic second in the G1 Caulfield Cup, beaten three lengths by talented filly Jameka, who 12 months earlier landed the G1 VRC Oaks at Flemington.

Scottish, who was slowly away, caught up in a scrimmage early, and then forced to take it up at the half-way point, had tried -- unsuccessfully -- to give away 2.5kg (over 5lb) to a Classic winner, and a very good one, at that.

"I feel I have a better understanding of the type of horse required," Appleby said post-race. "Scottish has run a blinder in the circumstances. It was a big performance. I am delighted with him.

"He's a horse with good tactical speed, but he also likes fast ground, and he can accelerate. I think we've got the right formula. It's now a matter of finding others like him," he added.

Of course, so many rival stables are trying to do the same thing, which is one reason why that area of the bloodstock market has been very buoyant in recent times.

Appleby was impressed by both the style and scale of Australian racing. His fleeting visit whetted the appetite for a return visit -- maybe as early Flemington's Melbourne Cup Carnival -- and, one day, victory in one of the major races.

"We have several runners in the prep races for the Cup this year, so let's see how they go down here," he added.