The dream of a Melbourne Cup victory is still alive for 71 horses after the initial acceptances were revealed.
Among the 71 contenders remaining, 13 hail from international stables, all vying for the prestigious 3200m event at Flemington on November 3.
Last year’s champion, Half Yours, is among the entries and carries topweight as he aims for a consecutive win for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
Half Yours is continuing his preparation for the Melbourne Cup with a run in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington this Saturday. Following this race, a decision will be made regarding his next start, with either the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 or the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington a week later being potential targets.
Trainer Ciaron Maher has the largest contingent of horses still in the Melbourne Cup mix, with 14 first acceptances. This group includes Shockletz, who secured a ballot exemption by winning The Archer Stakes on September 12, as well as Middle Earth and Okita Soushi, both of whom have previously placed in the Cup.
Chris Waller’s stable has eight horses still in contention, featuring Aeliana, Birdman, Asterix, Ohope Wins, Valiant King, and Soulcombe.
Of the 13 international horses nominated for the Cup, several are already in Australia. These include Small Fry, Omni Man, and Starford from Joseph O’Brien’s yard, along with Wine Dark Sea (Harry Charlton), Enfjaar (Roger Varian), and Point Of Law (Ciaron Maher).
Currently undergoing quarantine and awaiting shipment to Melbourne are O’Brien’s Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct, Defiantly, James J Braddock, and Goodie Two Shoes. Also en route are Hopewell Rock (George Boughey) and Japan’s Stinger Glass (Yasuo Tomomichi).
The deadline for second acceptances is October 13. The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday offers the winner an automatic exemption from ballot.
Other races granting 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.
Those looking to back a contender might consider the latest racing odds available at Australian betting sites.