THE Ian Williams-trained Magic Circle will now head straight to the Melbourne Cup without a prep run.

The exciting six-year-old son of Makfi booked a date Down Under in one of the world's biggest races after he followed up his Chester Cup success by claiming the group three Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

His Redditch-based trainer had thought about possible runs at Goodwood, York or even the Caulfield Cup in Australia to help get his stayer ready for the big day.

However, owner Marwan Koukash took to social media to confirm the horse will go into November's contest without a run.

He wrote: "Following a meeting with Ian Williams, Magic Circle's next run will be the Melbourne Cup.

"We are very happy with his provisional allotted weight for the race and do not want to risk an increase. Also, he runs very well when fresh."

Magic Circle will be partnered in the race by Australian jockey Corey Brown.

The 42-year-old won the race last year on the Joseph O'Brien-trained Rekindling and takes over from regular rider Fran Berry, who is unable to carry the low weight required for the Group One handicap.

It would be the second time Williams has saddled a runner in the contest after Munsef's 12th place finish for the same owner back in 2009.