Former racehorse trainer Darren Weir has been charged with animal cruelty and weapons offences following raids on his stables.

First emergency Exeter is in the field for the Caulfield Guineas after the scratching of Creator, while second reserve Groundswell has edged closer to a start.

The Group One Toorak Handicap at Caulfield has attracted a capacity field of 18 plus three emergencies.

The Group One Caulfield Stakes has attracted a field of 11 which includes four horses set to make their first Australian appearances.

Thieves have taken off with a replica of the 2017 Melbourne Cup during a Victorian cafe burglary.

Classy mare Outback Barbie will remain in Brisbane for the summer carnival despite an impressive barrier trial win at Doomben.

A field of nine is set to run in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield with the winner to be offered the Melbourne Racing Club’s slot in the The Everest.

Shadow Hero is the dominant favourite to give trainer Mark Newnham back-to-back wins in the Group One Spring Champion Stakes.

Following third acceptances for the Cox Plate at The Valley, 35 horses remain in contention, including nine internationally trained gallopers.

Bart Cummings winner Surprise Baby is a notable omission from Caulfield Cup second declarations with 45 horses remaining in contention.

Jockey Hugh Bowman is confident Flit is the one to beat in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield despite her unplaced effort last start.

UK-based French trainer David Menuisier has been to Werribee to watch Cox Plate contender Danceteria go through his paces ahead of the Caulfield Stakes.

The Chris Waller-trained Night’s Watch is set to contest the Group One Toorak Handicap and has worked sharply at the course in preparation for the 1600m-race.

Trainer Leon Macdonald would have preferred a better barrier draw for Dalasan but remains confident he has the right horse to win the Caulfield Guineas.

James McDonald believes Caulfield Guineas contender Kubrick can emulate his sire Shooting To Win who won the race five years ago.

Avilius is unbeaten in his two runs at Caulfield and has had another look at the course in a solo gallop ahead of the Group One Caulfield Stakes.

Cox Plate equal favourite Lys Gracieux will get a look at the Cox Plate course in a pre-race gallop at The Valley.

Dalasan is a drifting favourite for the Caulfield Guineas after drawing a wide barrier with Alligator Blood firming slightly.

Favourite Flit remains the $2 favourite for the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield after drawing barrier two in the Group One race for three-year-old fillies.

Tasmanian trainer Adam Trinder has confirmed his stable star Mystic Journey will press on to the Group One Cox Plate at her next start.

Redzel has comfortably held In Her Time to win a barrier trial at Gosford ahead of his bid for a third win in the $14 million Everest.

Brisbane rider Tegan Harrison has suffered injuries including fractured vertebrae and concussion in a four-horse fall at Doomben.

Ahead of the declaration of the final field and barrier draw for the Group One Caulfield Guineas, Dalasan is holding favouritism for the $2 million race.

Former apprentice jockey Stephen Brown Jr, who fell in a jump-out at Wangaratta last month, has been moved from ICU to a ward at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Sydney-trained filly Emeralds is set for her biggest test to date when she runs in the Group One Thousand Guineas at Caulfield with Ben Melham to ride.

New Zealand star Melody Belle will travel to Australia for the spring carnival but will run in the Empire Rose Stakes rather than the Cox Plate.

Cox Plate invitee Danceteria is among a host of international horses scheduled to step out in races on Caulfield Guineas day in Melbourne.

Trainer David Payne has entered three horses for the Group One Spring Champion Stakes which he won two years ago with future Victoria Derby winner Ace High.

New Zealand four-year-old Madison County is set for the second start of his Melbourne spring campaign in the Group One Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

The Greg Hickman-trained Pierata has been put through his paces at Warwick Farm as the star sprinter prepares for the $14 million Everest.