The field of potential contenders for the prestigious Melbourne Cup has been narrowed down to 58 following the latest round of declarations.

Trainer Ciaron Maher still has 14 hopefuls in the running for the Melbourne Cup, a gruelling 3200m race set to take place at Flemington on November 3. Among Maher’s contingent are Shockletz and Mr Monaco, who have recently secured ballot-exempt victories in The Archer and The Bart Cummings, respectively. Middle Earth, a notable performer in last year’s Cup, is also part of Maher’s strong lineup.

Chris Waller’s stable is represented by Aeliana, Ohope Wins, and the impressive Herbert Power Stakes winner from last week, Pinhole.

The Caulfield Cup, a 2400m contest held this Saturday, features 19 horses that are also among the 58 Melbourne Cup second declarations. This group includes Half Yours, the horse that achieved the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double in the previous year.

A total of 13 European stayers have been paid up for, with nine of these hailing from the stable of Joseph O’Brien, a two-time Cup-winning trainer. O’Brien’s notable entries include Definantly, who earned a ‘Golden Ticket’ with a win in the Prix Kergolay at Deauville in August, and Goodie Two Shoes, a horse that finished placed in last year’s Cup behind Half Yours.

The remaining races offering ‘Golden Tickets’ to the Melbourne Cup are the Caulfield Cup, the Geelong Cup, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and the Cox Plate.

Third declarations will be processed on October 26, with the final field and barrier draw scheduled for October 31.

Those keen on placing a bet can explore the extensive Australian betting sites for the best odds on the remaining contenders.