The leading stables in Australia are set to dominate the Caulfield Cup field, presenting almost half of the runners.

A full field of 18, along with four emergencies, have accepted for the 150th edition of the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for Saturday.

Ciaron Maher’s stable has five horses among the 18 main contenders, plus three of the four emergencies, while Chris Waller will field three runners.

Among the 18 starters, three are international contenders: Enfjaar has drawn the coveted inside gate, Starford is in barrier 15, and Wine Dark Sea will jump from 19.

Despite drawing wide in barrier 17, which could shift to 14 if emergencies don’t gain a start, Cosmic Crusader remains the race favourite, with its odds lengthening from $4.50 to $5.

Zahrann, one of Maher’s hopefuls, saw its odds shorten from $9 to $7 after securing barrier four.

Maher’s other entries are Middle Earth (barrier 11), Royal Supremacy (8), Saint George (2), and Kings Valley (12). The emergencies are Juju Kibo (14), Point Of Law (21), and Mr Monaco (3).

Waller’s trio have all drawn double-figure gates: Asterix (10), Soul Of Spain (13), and Ohope Wins (16).

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, expressed satisfaction with Zahrann’s soft draw, deeming it perfect for the horse aiming to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. Zahrann had previously secured a ballot exemption by winning the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 19.

“That day (at Flemington) the race pace was extremely brutal and was something he had not been accustomed to,” Turnbull said.

“Prior to that his wins had been in slower pace races where he had been able to travel and then quicken.”

“It was set-weights that day, he’s back to handicap conditions and it’s a shame we have to take him on trust because I believe he’s got a lot of X-factor getting up in trip.”

“The race shape should see Royal Supremacy go forward, and I can’t see the race being as frantically run as it was in the Turnbull and Zahrann should be able to possie up midfield and travel throughout.”

Saint George, who was the runner-up to Zahrann in the Naturalism Stakes, also drew favourably in gate two, mirroring the starting position of Half Yours when it won last year’s Caulfield Cup.

“He gets 12 furlongs (2400m), he’ll get a nice economical run,” Turnbull said.

“He’s more seasoned and the pressure in the first 400 metres is high and they generally stretch and he’ll be tucked away.”

Middle Earth is returning to handicap conditions on Saturday after competing in weight-for-age and set-weights and penalty races this preparation.

“He’s been under the radar,” Turnbull said.

“He’s a horse that only has a few races on the calendar that really suit him.”

“He’s a genuine staying horse and now that we’re at 2400 metres after a couple of prep runs, his fitness is there and can start to show his true potential.”

Kings Valley is aiming for a $1 million bonus following its victory in the Mornington Cup (2400m) back in April.

Turnbull noted that the stayer had been slightly slow to shift its coat this campaign, but following four runs this preparation, it is progressing well.

Among the three emergencies, Turnbull highlighted Jujo Kibo as the one he would most like to see feature in Saturday’s race.

“I think the way he won last time, Juju Kibo, at the weight, might be the one,” Turnbull said.

“He’s a Metrop winner whereas Point Of Law has travelled out (from the UK) but has a bit of hype around him and Mr Monaco won the Bart Cummings.”

Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy expressed delight with Half Yours drawing barrier seven.

Mark Zahra will partner the dual Cups winner, replacing Jamie Melham.

“It takes a lot of the guess work out of it,” McEvoy commented on Half Yours’ barrier draw.

“These big, high-pressure handicaps, if you draw wide, it nearly dictates what you have got to do.”

“We were lucky last year that he drew well in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.”

“I think from seven, or six, where he may jump from, it will allow Mark Zahra the chance to get the horse to switch off and conserve his energy, which is an asset he has, and then get some luck at the right time.”

“We’ve got a big race jockey on board.”

For the latest Caulfield Cup odds and betting markets, explore Australian betting sites.