There were 13 international horses left in the Melbourne Cup from the 47 declared at Monday’s payment stage.
Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker was withdrawn at second acceptances along the injured Descarado, December Draw and Alcopop while Hong Kong entrant Mighty High is on his way home after failing in the Caulfield Cup.
Of the 13 internationally-trained horses, 10 are inside the top 24 ranked stayers.
The Brian Ellison-trained pair Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi and Luca Cumani’s 2008 runner-up Bauer occupy positions 27, 28 and 29 respectively following the second acceptances.
Cumani could have as many four runners in the race if Bauer can get into the field.
His Caulfield Cup runners Drunken Sailor and Manighar are guaranteed a start, while Sahara Sun (24th) could get in if he impresses in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup.
Heading the international contingent are French stayers Americain, the defending titleholder, and Dunaden, last week’s Geelong Cup winner.
Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams and his private trainer Robert Hickmott have the biggest representation with six runners, including Linton who was scratched from Saturday’s Moonee Valley Cup.
The stable’s other acceptors are Midas Touch, Mourayan, At First Sight, Tanby and Caulfield Cup runner-up Green Moon.
Despite losing Descarado, Gai Waterhouse has four still in the mix headed by Caulfield Cup placegetter Tullamore.
The Cup’s most successful trainer, Bart Cummings, has two guaranteed runners – Illo and Precedence – and has paid up for Cosmonaut who runs in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup.
The winner of Saturday’s Lexus Stakes is guaranteed a start in the Melbourne Cup the following Tuesday while the Bendigo Cup winner could force its way up the order of entry.
AAP TURF
