There is a lot to like about this story, and if you follow thoroughbred racing at all, you will want to pay close attention.

Australian Bloodstock's imported gelding Wine Dark Sea has been confirmed for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, with champion jockey Damian Lane securing the ride. The race runs on 17 October over 2400 metres, and Wine Dark Sea has been allocated a weight of 54.5 kilograms for the handicap.

This is exactly the kind of global acquisition that Australian Bloodstock has built its reputation on. By combining genuine passion for thoroughbreds with cutting-edge biomechanical assessment and a sharp eye for quality horses from around the world, the team has identified another serious contender. When you see the credentials behind this horse, it all makes sense.

Wine Dark Sea is trained by Harry Charlton, and the horse arrives in Australia off the back of a commanding last-start win in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes over 2671 metres at Newbury in England. That is a serious staying performance on a serious track, and it tells you a lot about what this horse is capable of over the Caulfield Cup distance.