RACING: Dermot Weld hasn't ruled out sending In Time's Eye on an Australian expedition that might not even include the Melbourne Cup.

The Curragh trainer described as "complex" the question of whether In Time's Eye is qualified for the cup. Some Australian sources suggest that the horse, recently purchased by Dr Michael Smurfit, the owner of Weld's two Melbourne Cup winners Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle, may not qualify because of a lack of form at longer distances.

Ascot's Cumberland Lodge Stakes over a mile and a half next weekend could be an option for In Time's Eye to remedy that but Weld currently appears to favour an early trip to Australia.

"There are so many more races he can run in down there, even if he never goes near the Melbourne Cup," he said. "There are a line of races like the Geelong Cup, the Caulfield Cup, possibly the Cox Plate, that he could go for and not run in the Melbourne Cup at all."

Media Puzzle guaranteed his participation in last year's cup by winning at Geelong and the Caulfield race is one that Weld has said in the past that he is keen to win.

In Time's Eye, a Royal Ascot winner over a mile and a quarter in June, entered quarantine on Sunday but could be taken out ahead of the Cumberland Lodge and still go to Australia.

Weld is keeping an eye on the weather on America's east coast before deciding on Dimitrova's next race. The filly has remained at New York's Belmont track since her last start and has the option of next weekend's Flower Bow Handicap. But she also has the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Keeneland as an alternative.

"A lot of rain in New York would not be ideal, so we are watching Hurricane Isabel. It just proves you can't plan for everything," Weld said.

Meanwhile, High Reef has just his second flat start for Charlie Swan in today's Harp Lager Handicap at Listowel and can make it second time lucky.

There was enough in High Reef's second to Cloone River at the Curragh to suggest he holds an excellent shout.