Gai Waterhouse will challenge her training prowess on a new horizon with the purchase of a French 2000 Guineas placegetter who has been invited to race in the United States.

With Waterhouse listed as his trainer, Pornichet is set to take his place in next month's Belmont Derby.

Pornichet earned a Derby invitation after finishing third to Karakontie in last month's French Guineas for trainer Nicolas Clement.

It was hoped Tommy Berry would take the ride in the July 5 race but he has end-of-season Hong Kong commitments.

Waterhouse negotiated privately to buy Pornichet, the winner of three races from six starts.

Pornichet was passed in during Goffs London sale last week, the same auction where Waterhouse purchased Cafe Society before the horse was placed during the Royal Ascot carnival.

"Cafe Society looks a very nice stayer and already has Melbourne Cup written across his forehead," Waterhouse told the Racing Post.

"But I didn't care what he looked like before the sale as my husband Robbie said his form was strong and that we should go for him."

"And we have bought the French horse Pornichet privately, who was unsold (at the sale) at 425,000 guineas."

Waterhouse has embraced the European-bred stayer with outstanding results, winning last year's Melbourne Cup with former English galloper Fiorente.