Jockey Ben Melham is aiming for yet another Australian Cup triumph following Birdman’s straightforward success at Caulfield.

Melham is set to ride the Chris Waller-prepared runner in the Flemington highlight on March 28, having steered the Irish-bred import to success in Saturday’s Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m).

The $3.30 favourite Birdman claimed a 1-¾ length success in the classic Australian Cup precursor ahead of Apulia ($11), while Bankers Choice ($41) finished a half-head further back in third.

Melham previously secured consecutive Australian Cups (2000m) on the Godolphin runner Cascadian in 2023 and 2024, and he feels Birdman possesses the necessary qualities for another win in the Flemington 2000m event.

“I’ve had a bit to do with him early doors this preparation and the way he was going he was heading in the right direction to be competitive in an Australian Cup,” Melham said.

“And the more I have to do with him the more I think he can win it.

“He’s been a bit of a revelation the horse.

“He’s in the right stable and might have taken a bit of time to acclimatise, but he’s a very relaxed customer.

“He takes a bit of waking up but the ability is certainly there.”

Birdman arrived in Australia with experience at 2400m and beyond in Ireland, yet Waller has honed the gelding this preparation to perform with greater zip.

Melham noted that the gelding might possess added pace and could thrive when ridden with a touch of freshness.

“I don’t think the run will have hurt him at all,” Melham said.

“He just got into a lovely position, didn’t sort of spend any pennies until the last 250 metres and I felt he had the race at his mercy a long way out.

“He seems to be going really well at these shorter trips. He’ll be no worries at 2000 (metres), but maybe that’s the way to go with him, a bit of freshness in his legs, but I’ll leave that to the expert.”

Explore the Australian betting sites for the top racing odds on Birdman in the Australian Cup.