John Sadler has locked in Jamie Mott as the rider of former US four-time Group 1 winner, Winchester, for both the Caulfield and the Melbourne Cups.

The astute Flemington trainer was thrilled with Winchester’s eye-catching effort when ninth to Ocean Park in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

“Jamie will ride him right through now. He’s riding in great form and more importantly he loves the horse," I was really pleased with his run on Saturday and he’s pulled up super,” Sadler told TVN this morning.

Winchester is an eight-year-old by southern hemisphere time, with a stunning record in the US, and is guaranteed a start in both Cups

Sadler said Winchester may run in the Mackinnon Stakes on Derby Day before the Melbourne Cup, depending on his fitness level. “He’ll run in the Turnbull now then both Cups,” he said.

Sadler will also have Linton running in the Turnbull Stakes as he heads towards the Caulfield Cup.