Purcell was forced to transfer St Jean to leading New Zealand trainer Donna Logan after the stallion continually tested positive to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. The drug is a prohibited substance on race day in Victoria.

The Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning trainer said he was very happy with reports Logan’s forwarded to him since the seven-year-old arrived in New Zealand.

“Donna said St Jean has been working really well,” Purcell said.

“She's been really impressed with his work. It's just great that St Jean will be racing again.”

St Jean was recovering from a tendon injury at a pre-training complex when administrated with ibuprofen.

"It's been a really tough time for the owners of St Jean," Purcell said.

“It's great that they have stayed in his ownership and he will continue racing in New Zealand.

“St Jean could not race here because of the rules relating to ibuprofen.

“The vets in New Zealand are comfortable with how St Jean is  after his treatment.

“I've continually said St Jean is potentially the best horse that I've trained.

“We should get a better indication as to his ability in New Zealand.”

St Jean has won four races from his eight Australian starts.

His victories were at Warrnambool, Caulfield and Sandown before an impressive win over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley.

St Jean cost Purcell just over $110,000 – his stake earnings are in excess of $180,000.

SPEEDY mare Another Diamond may head to the spelling paddock if tracks dry out over the next few weeks, according to colourful Colac trainer Bill Cerchi.

Another Diamond spreadeagled her rivals to win a $100,000 restricted race over 955 metres at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

The four-year-old scored an impressive first-up victory at Warrnambool last week. The ease of the win gave her trainer enough confidence to push forward to the Valley race.

“I knew I had Another Diamond pretty right after the Warrnambool win,” Cerchi said.

“She did well during the week, so I thought she would run well at the Valley.

“The key to Another Diamond is wet tracks. She loves wet ground. 

“We've got a few options over the next few weeks. 

“But if the tracks dry out quickly, she’ll go to the paddock.

“She's had a few minor issues but we’ve got her right now, I just don't want to risk her on dry ground.”

Cerchi rates Another Diamond as the best horse he's had in his stable in more than 10 years.

“We purchased her for $15,000 at the Adelaide yearling sales a couple of years back,” Cerchi said.

“She's the best horse I've trained for a long time. 

“She's just taken a while to get right, but believe me she goes very good.

“I reckon if we get the conditions to suit, she’ll win a really good race one day.”

Another Diamond picked up $55,000 in stakes with her Valley victory.

She has now earnt more than $100,000 in prizemoney for her connections.

Cerchi also revealed that he's not far away from resuming with another handy sprinter in his team, Royal Spinner.

“Royal Spinner is different to Another Diamond,” Cerchi said.

“He's a bit of a duffer on wet ground. I'm just waiting for a dry track.

“I might kick off his campaign in a sprint race at the Valley the Friday night but I’ll wait and see.

“He needs a dry track to show his best.”

Royal Spinner’s won five races from 19 outings.

CAULFIELD Cup-winning mare Jameka is pleasing trainer Ciaron Maher as she progresses towards the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup.

Jameka defeated Scottish and Exospheric to win the $3 million Caulfield Cup.

Bookmakers have installed her $5.50 second favourite for the Melbourne Cup after her impressive victory.

Hartnell, who ran second behind the super mare Winx in the Cox Plate on Saturday, is the $4.60 favourite.

“I can't fault Jameka’s condition,” Maher said of Jameka.

“Her fitness levels are excellent.

“We've just ticked her over since the Caulfield Cup.

“It will be her first time running over 3200 metres in the Melbourne Cup.

“There will be some people who may doubt she will run out the 3200 metres.

“We’ll never know until she does it, but I'm confident she will run it out strongly.”

This year’s Melbourne Cup will be run on Tuesday, November 1.

POPULAR jockey Jason Lyon pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding following his ride on Mattan at St Arnaud on Saturday.

Stewards found that Lyon let his mount shift near the 200-metre mark, taking Radioactive into Kapscero which in turn was taken in onto North Of Hell. 

This meant North of Hell was crowded for room and lost its rightful running.

Lyon – who has ridden five winners from his last 10 rides – started his suspension at midnight October 22 and will resume October 28.

Stewards deemed the incident to be in the low range, took into account his excellent record and guilty plea.