Fifty-seven horses remain in contention for the $5 million Caulfield Cup following first acceptances for the October 17 feature.
Defending champion Half Yours is the sole remaining representative for Tony and Calvin McEvoy, while Ciaron Maher holds the strongest hand numerically with 14 horses still in the race.
Maher’s team is headed by Zahrann and Saint George, who fought out the finish of Saturday’s Group 3 Naturalism Stakes.
Zahrann defeated his stablemate in the 2000m contest and the pair have subsequently moved to the top of betting for the Caulfield Cup.
Grahame Begg remains represented by leading mare She’s A Hustler, although stablemate Zakouma was not among the first acceptances.
Zakouma will instead contest the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes as part of his preparation towards the Melbourne Cup.
Saturday’s Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes winner The Euphrates is one of four remaining Caulfield Cup entries for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Chris Waller has 12 horses still in contention, with Aeliana, Birdman and Buckaroo among his leading representatives.
Second acceptances for the Caulfield Cup close at midday on October 6.
