Kong Kong star Able Friend is among 12 international horses invited to contest this year's $3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club committee extends invitations to the connections of selected overseas horses in a bid to attract quality international participation in the weight-for-age race.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Adelaide became the first horse trained outside Australasia to win the Cox Plate last year.

Four-time Group One winner Able Friend, who is in England preparing for next week's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, is one of four Hong Kong-trained horses to be invited.

His John Moore-trained stablemate Dan Excel, the winner of the past two Singapore Airlines International Cups, also received a call-up after having his Cox Plate campaign aborted last year.

Japanese horse Tosen Stardom, France's Gailo Chop, English galloper The Great Gatsby and Military Attack from Hong Kong are among the other invitees.

The Cox Plate is on October 25.