Aidan O'Brien believes Johannes Vermeer ticks plenty of the boxes needed to become a Caulfield Cup winner ahead of the trainer's bid for another Group One triumph in Australia on Saturday morning.
The four-year-old was a fast-finishing second in the Caulfield Stakes just a week earlier and makes a swift return to the track as the Ballydoyle handler continues his quest to break Bobby Frankel's record of top-level wins in a season.
O'Brien told Sky Sports Radio: "He's a quick breaker. He usually settles well and he usually quickens well. You need a horse with tactical pace who then relaxes and then can really quicken.
"I suppose it all adds up to you really needing a good colt. He is pacy, and a flat track should suit him. The lads are very happy with him.
"He settled well (in the Caulfield Stakes) and quickened very well so we were delighted with his run."
Johannes Vermeer will be joined by fellow Irish runner Wicklow Brave, who is back in Australia after finishing down the field in the Melbourne Cup last year.
Willie Mullins' eight-year-old has subsequently won a Grade One over hurdles and also claimed the Irish St Leger last season.
"He seems in good form," Mullins' assistant David Casey told www.news.com.au.
"He's got Grade One form, this is a Grade One race and we know it's going to be tough. But if things fall well, he's going to run well. He looks great.
"When you look at the likes of Johannes Vermeer and those horses after running so well the other day, it gives your confidence and it gives you hope. He's seems better this year. This year he's settled straight in here."
Hughie Morrison also saddles Marmelo, a Group Two winner at Deauville last time out.
Sky Bet are paying five places on each-way bets on the Caulfield Cup and make Johannes Vermeer their 100/30 market leader.
