Two years ago Lewes trainer Jamie Poulton slipped over to France with his principal patron, Ron Huggins, and came back with the horse that was to put him on the map.

Crocodile Dundee was bought for a modest price at the Breeze-Up sales at Saint Cloud racecourse. This is when prospective purchasers can watch the horses in action prior to the sales in the evening. Crocodile Dundee won two Group races for Poulton last season and plans were afoot to train him for this year's Melbourne Cup in Australia.

Owner Huggins turned down several good offers for the three-year-old, before finally succumbing to "an offer he simply could not refuse." Crocodile Dundee left to be trained by Luca Cumani, who complimented Poulton on the condition of the horse on arrival at Newmarket.

Last weekend, Jamie was in France once again and came home with three two-year-olds, all of which impressed when put through their paces up the Saint Cloud straight.

Most expensive, at around £40,000, was an Irish-bred colt by Intikhab. Poulton said:"He is for a new client and I'm thrilled with him. He is not yet named but he will be before he runs in mid-Summer when you'll also learn the name of the owner."

Jamie bought a beautifully bred colt by Sendawar out of a Bering mare named Dubord as a speculation and he has already sold a half-share. Call 01273 300127 if you are interested in the remaining half. Huggins spent £12,000 on an Imperial Ballet colt who will be the first of the three to run.

Poulton added: "Mr Huggins has tended to buy horses which need time and decided to go for an early sort this time. This one will be running by the end of June so we'll have to get on and find a name for him soon."

Last season was the most successful in Jamie's ten-year career. His 18 winners included the two Group races and one at Royal Ascot and with four so far this time he is on course to better that total.

Poulton added: "Fabulous Emperor, who came from last year's Saint Cloud sales, has turned into a very nice three-year-old. He may well run in the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood next month which is a Derby trial. He is not in the Derby, but I guarantee he'll win a Group race somewhere."

Fabulous Emperor is owned by a syndicate from Dorset, which indicates that the owner-base of White Cottage Stud is broadening dramatically. Double Kudos may also run in the Goodwood race in company with Fabulous Emperor after a promising run at Lingfield recently.

First of several major meetings in May is at Chester in 12 days time. Land 'N' Stars has the Chester Cup as his target.

Poulton said: "He won over a distance too short for him at Lingfield and his owners Paul Blow and Ken Wilkinson are keen to have a go at the Melbourne Cup in November. It's certainly a possibility."

Thanks to the success of Crocodile Dundee plans for a block of eight new boxes were drawn up last autumn, but planning restrictions caused lengthy delays.

"At last we have building permission and the work will start shortly," said Jamie. "That will bring us up to accommodation for 30 horses and I don't think I will have a problem filling those boxes."

Although Double Eclipse never did get his run over hurdles, due to minor problems and unsuitable going, White Cottage enjoyed two successes over fences with Tommy Carson who will attempt the Treble at Towcester on Monday.

"Theatre won a novice hurdle at Fontwell and he will race on the flat this summer with the Cesarewitch in October in mind," added Poulton.

Tiger Tiger failed to earn any prize money in Dubai last month but Jamie says the experience was invaluable and he's keen to return to next year's Carnival in February.

Jamie was not the only one of the Poulton family to have been globetrotting since the New Year. His wife Camilla has just returned from a trip to New Zealand with their three children. The season has begun as well as can be expected for Poulton and it will be surprising if last year's total of winners is not passed well before the season's end.