Paul Messara with fellow Australian trainers David Hayes (Nicconi) and Gary Portelli (Gold Trail)

It was meet-the-media time for the Australian trainers and their horses on Thursday morning in Newmarket. Alice Minter reports that Alverta worked again on the Al Bahathri track and was given marginally more of the bridle than in her previous gallop.

Alice says, “She has gained weight and is now settled. The American trainers Kenny McPeek and Wesley Ward have moved in next to Alverta and we think that this has gone some way to create a more familiar stable environment for her."

Showing impeccable taste, Alverta has now become firm friends with Gold Trail (by Hussonet) and the two Arrowfield-sired horses äre stabled next to each other. Gold Trail put in an excellent gallop this morning and is headed for the five-furlong King’s Stand S. G1 on Tuesday with other international rivals Nicconi and Joy of Fun.

Alice says, “The weather has again turned cool and wet, but it's not dampening the spirits of everyone who is involved in the Ascot adventure! We feel very privileged to be invited to such an event and look forward to Saturday 19th June with trepidation at the enormity of Alverta's task.

This morning Paul, Alice & Leah had an opportunity to see some of Alverta's opponents, including Kinsale King, who is trained in the US by Carl O’Callaghan and will be ridden by Kieran Fallon.

Alice says, “He’s a strong, imposing horse who‘s likely to be favourite for the Golden Jubilee and, as Alverta did for Paul, he gave Carl his first Group One success.”

“Carl entertained us all at the Owners’ & Trainers’ Dinner on Wednesday evening at the Newmarket Jockey Club by singing and playing his electric guitar. He was fantastic and if he can train as well as he can sing, we're in trouble!”

After the horses worked this morning, the media joined the international trainers for breakfast , followed by panel and individual interviews.

Alice says, “There’s considerable interest in the international runners and a fabulous atmosphere of camaraderie and support for which we are most appreciative.”