Order Of St George and Rekindling in frame for Melbourne Cup challenge

The possibility of both Aidan and Joseph O'Brien being represented in this year's Emirates Melbourne Cup has been raised by the son of top Australian owner Lloyd Williams, with Order Of St George and Rekindling under consideration for one of the most celebrated events in southern hemisphere sport.

Williams owns the Joseph O'Brien-trained Rekindling, set to run next in the William Hill St Leger, while he is a shareholder in Ballydoyle star Order Of St George, who has been spoken of as a potential candidate for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, in which he finished third last year.

Nick Williams, spokesman for his father, told racing.com's After The Last programme Order Of St George's participation could hang on the weight given to the high-class stayer by big-race handicapper Greg Carpenter.

Joseph O'Brien is reportedly keen to run Rekindling at FlemingtonCredit: Patrick McCann

First nominations for the Melbourne Cup close on Tuesday, with international interest also expected to feature Sunday's Deauville winner Tiberian and last week's Lonsdale Cup third St Michel, who is set to become a first runner in the coveted event for Sir Mark Prescott.

"I'd say Order Of St George probably has a better chance of coming than Rekindling," said Nick Williams, who was triumphant in last year's Melbourne Cup with the Robert Hickmott-trained Almandin, whose campaign is being geared around defending the crown.

"Rekindling will probably run at Doncaster in the Leger," confirmed Williams. "He's only a three-year-old and had quite a long year. I've had a number of chats with Joseph and he's very keen to bring him out here.

"I'm a little concerned about the travel and the fact he's had such a long year, so we've agreed to wait until the Leger. We'll work it out from there."

Williams added: "Aidan and the lads seem a little keener to bring Order Of St George than they were last year. He'll run in the Irish Leger and then we'll see. I'd say if Greg is kind to him he may well come."

St Michel was confirmed an intended starter at Flemington last week, with Prescott's assistant William Butler saying at York: "He'll definitely go to Australia. The race should suit him as he travels well, and all year it's been his target.

"Sir Mark had a 'recce' last year and loved it, so he'll be going out for the race. He doesn't rave about much but he raved about that."