Japanese stayer Admire Deus could run in the Caulfield Cup as a lead-up to the Melbourne Cup.

Craig Williams, who is holidaying in Japan, partnered Admire Deus in a gallop before he enters quarantine for the trip to Australia.

Australian Bloodstock, which owned the 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, recently bought into the Japanese horse.

AB director Jamie Lovett said the Caulfield Cup could be the lead-up race for Admire Deus.

"He'll definitely have a run before the Melbourne Cup," Lovett told racing.com

"We're of the view that you need to run at least once in Australia.

"Talking to Craig, he's a fairly gross sort of stallion.

"He might be a horse that can cope with the two-and-a-bit-week backup from a Caulfield Cup to a Melbourne Cup."

Admire Deus is expected in Melbourne to start quarantine at Werribee later this month, a few days before the first shipment of European stayers arrive for the spring carnival.

Darren Weir will train Admire Deus and has sent one of his foreman to Japan to oversee his preparation.

Admire Deus is a $17 chance in the Melbourne Cup behind last year's winner Almandin and third-placed Hartnell who are the $13 equal favourites.

Hartnell heads betting for the Caulfield Cup at $6.50 with Admire Deus on the fourth line at $17.