Five international horses remain in danger of missing a Melbourne Cup start after the second acceptance deadline passed for next week’s $6.2 million race.
Geelong Cup winner Gatewood, the Herbert Power Stakes winner Shahwardi, Lost In The Moment, Brigantin and Ibicenco are still well outside the top 24 ranked horses.
Shahwardi winning the Group 2 at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia (Steven Dowden)
As expected, only three stayers among the top 38 ranked were missing from Monday’s acceptance stage.
Sidelined star Manighar and the Lloyd Williams-owned pair Seville and Midas Touch were withdrawn.
When the second acceptance fee was paid, 46 horses were left in Tuesday week’s race – one less than 2011.
They included Cox Plate runners Ethiopia, Southern Speed and Green Moon.
Southern Speed is a confirmed Melbourne Cup runner while a decision about a start for Green Moon will be made closer to acceptance time.
Of the top 24 ranked horses, 16 are Australian-trained with Peter Moody, Robert Hickmott, Bart Cummings, Bart Cummings, the Hawkes training partnership and Michael Kent all boasting two entries.
Final acceptances will be taken at 5pm on Saturday with two races at Flemington that day – the Mackinnon Stakes and the Lexus Stakes – providing a ballot exemption for each winner.
