The aspiration of winning the Melbourne Cup remains a possibility for 71 horses following the acceptance of first entries.
From the 71 horses still in contention, 13 are international entries for the 3200m showpiece event at Flemington on November 3.
Last year’s winner and this year’s topweight, Half Yours, is still in contention, aiming to secure back-to-back victories for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
Half Yours is continuing his path towards the Melbourne Cup by competing in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. Following this race, a decision will be made about whether the stayer proceeds to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 or the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington a week later.
Ciaron Maher, a trainer with a successful record in the Cup, has the largest number of horses still in the running with 14 first acceptances. This group includes Shockletz, who earned a ballot exemption with her win in The Archer Stakes on September 12, along with Middle Earth and Okita Soushi, both of whom have achieved a placing in the Cup previously.
Chris Waller has eight horses still in contention, with Aeliana, Birdman, Asterix, Ohope Wins, Valiant King, and Soulcombe among them.
Of the 13 international horses nominated for the Cup, Small Fry, Omni Man, and Starford from Joseph O’Brien’s stable are already in Australia. Additionally, Wine Dark Sea (trained by Harry Charlton), Enfjaar (from Roger Varian’s stable), and Point Of Law (Ciaron Maher) are also present.
Currently in quarantine and awaiting their shipment to Melbourne are O’Brien’s trainees Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct, Defiantly, James J Braddock, and Goodie Two Shoes. Also on their way are Hopewell Rock (George Boughey) and Japan’s Stinger Glass (Yasuo Tomomichi).
Second acceptances are scheduled to close on October 13. The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday offers the winner a ballot exemption.
Other races that grant ballot exemptions include the Caulfield Cup, the Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21, the Cox Plate, and the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24.
For those wanting to get involved, exploring the available betting sites for the Melbourne Cup could be a good start at betting sites.