A French-based horse owned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s chief executive has moved a step closer to a possible Melbourne Cup appearance with a Group Two victory at Chantilly.

Now We Can passed the Melbourne Cup ballot by winning the Group Two Grand Prix De Chantilly (2400m) on Sunday.

The stayer is owned by Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive, and has won his past five starts.

The four-year-old, trained by Nicolas Clement is a potential visitor to Melbourne.

One runner who is confirmed on a path towards the Melbourne spring carnival is Only A Pleasure who finished seventh in the race in his first start of the year.