Forty horses remain in contention for the $10 million Melbourne Cup after the third round of declarations closed on Monday, as anticipation builds ahead of the November 4 classic at Flemington.
The final field will be revealed following the Victoria Derby Day program on Saturday, with several internationals and local stars vying for a start in the 3200-metre staying test.
This year’s field includes 11 overseas contenders, led by the U.S.-trained Parchment Party — the first American runner ever set to contest the Cup. Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien, already a two-time winner, has Al Riffa and Goodie Two Shoes in the mix, joined by rivals from the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.
Onesmoothoperator booked his ticket to the Cup by winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on Friday night. His win earned him a 1kg penalty, taking his Cup weight to 53kg.
Torranzino’s narrow Geelong Cup (2400m) success over The King’s Gilded Water — who has since been omitted from the declarations — did not result in a weight penalty.
Caulfield Cup hero Half Yours, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, heads the local contingent as he aims to complete the rare Cups double. Meanwhile, Cox Plate-winning trainer Chris Waller has eight runners still in contention, including Buckaroo, Valiant King, and River Of Stars, as he seeks a second Cup victory after Verry Elleegant’s 2021 triumph.
Ciaron Maher remains well represented with Middle Earth and Smokin’ Romans both safely in the top 24, while Royal Supremacy sits right on the edge at number 24 in the ballot order.
Further down the list, Mark Twain (25), Birdman (26), Post Impressionist (27), and Scary (28) will be hoping withdrawals work in their favour before final acceptances close.
Elsewhere, Sydney Cup winner Arapaho will tune up in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup (2400m), while Interpretation (33), Don Diego De Vega (34), Sayedaty Sadaty (35), and Quietness (38) need victories to force their way into the 24-horse field.
Punters can follow every development and lock in their bets at top Australian betting sites ahead of the Melbourne Cup.
