123 in Melbourne Cup contention

A total of 123 horses are officially in with a chance of winning this year’s Melbourne Cup after entries for this year’s $8.5 million race were revealed on Tuesday afternoon.

Defending champion Without A Fight heads a list of 103 locally-trained entries, while 20 horses trained overseas were paid-up for the race that will this year be run on November.

“Today is an exciting milestone as we build momentum towards the 2024 Melbourne Cup with 123 horses declaring their intention to race at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November,” Victoria Racing Club executive general manager of racing Leigh Jordon said.

“This year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup is shaping up to have strong representation from across the world with horses from Ireland, Japan, France and England looking to compete against Australia and New Zealand’s best stayers.

“Among the nominations are a strong group of local contenders headlined by the pride of South Australia, The Map who is giving her country-based owners a ride of a lifetime.”

The Map is guaranteed a run in this year’s Melbourne Cup thanks to her win in the ballot-exempt Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes in May.

Australia’s two leading stables dominate the local entries with past winners Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher entering 37 horses between them.

Waller has 21 entries, headlined by star imported mare Via Sistina and dual Derby winner Riff Rocket, while Maher’s 16 entries include Sydney Cup winner and early favourite Circle Of Fire, boom recruit Middle Earth and winter sensation Berkshire Breeze.

Last year’s beaten favourite Vauban is again among the entries, one of three nominations for Irish trainer Willie Mullins alongside Absurde, who finished seventh last year, and Hipop De Loire.

Mullins’ compatriot Aidan O’Brien has six horses entered, including last-start 20-length winner Grosvenor Square, Group 2 winner and dual Group 1 placegetter Illinois and Point Lonsdale.

Japan has two shots at another Melbourne Cup success, via Warp Speed and Shonan Bashitto.

Those who missed the initial nomination deadline have until next Tuesday to submit a late entry, while weights for this year’s race will be revealed on Tuesday, September 17.