Melbourne Cup nominations: 163 entered for race that stops the nation

163 horses have been entered in a quest to win the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup.

Bart Cummings will have last year’s Moonee Valley Cup winner Precedence and import Illo spearheading an attempt to win his unbelievable thirteenth Melbourne Cup.

He also has Cosmonaut, Pegembak and Tamanu Park among the entries.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Americain has been entered, as have compatriots Dunaden and Ile De Re.

Jukebox Jury, who defeated them last start in the Kergolay, has been nominated but is an unlikely visitor, as is his stablemate and fellow entry Fox Hunt.

As reported earlier today, Godolphin have entered Group 1 winner Cavalryman and the emerging Lost in the Moment for the Cup, with a start depending on how they run next time out.

Irish master Aidan O’Brien will not be back after failing to nominate any horses.

He was last here in 2008, when tactics failed miserably.

Luca Cumani has run second twice, and will try to finally land his first Cup with the likes of Bauer, Drunken Sailor, Manighar and Sahara Sun nominated.

Until last year, the only European trainer to win the Melbourne Cup was Dermot Weld.

Although he is unlikely to return, he still has Galileo’s Choice and Sense of Purpose among entries.

Other international entries of note include Hong Kong’s Mighty High (John Moore), Ireland’s Red Cadeaux (Ed Dunlop) and Bob Le Beau (Jessica Harrington) and England’s Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi (both Brian Ellison)

After pondering yesterday whether any three year olds would be nominated, I am pleased to say that there is a three year old amongst entries.

This is Amici Nero, a three year old Blackfriars gelding from Western Australia.

However, the Melbourne Cup dream is officially over for 2007 winner Efficient, who was not nominated by owner Lloyd Williams.

Still, Williams has twelve entries, including Epsom Derby runner up At First Sight, Irish Derby runner up Midas Touch, The BMW runner up Mourayan and the locally-bred Linton and Base.

Entries are significantly down on last year’s number of 253, given the later nomination date.

Weights will be released on September 13.

Here are the entries for the $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m), to be run November 1:

7- EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP (3200 METRES)

Of $6000000 and $200000 trophies. 1st $3600000 and trophies of $175000 to owner $10000 to trainer $10000 to jockey $5000 to strapper, 2nd $900000, 3rd $450000, 4th $250000, 5th $175000, 6th $125000, 7th $125000, 8th $125000, 9th $125000, 10th $125000.

(GROUP 1).

No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 24