Melbourne Cup backflip with Hartnell

Godolphin’s Hartnell remains in the mix for the Melbourne Cup at the latest acceptance stage for Australia’s most famous race.

Hartnell, who represents the Australian arm of Sheikh Mohammed’s operation, ran third last year while Qewy, trained in England by Charlie Appleby and fourth a year ago, is Godolphin’s sole northern hemisphere entrant left among the 36 still in contention.

Two horses – the Darren Weir-trained Guardini and Alward from the Chris Waller stable, have yet to pass the first ballot clause.

There are 11 internationally-trained horses inside the top 24.

Leviathan owner Lloyd Williams is aiming for a sixth Cup win and has six in the top 24 including last year’s winner Almandin and his Robert Hickmott-trained stablemates Bondi Beach, Foundry and Gallante.

Williams other two qualified runners are Rekindling and US Army Ranger trained by Irishman Joseph O’Brien.

The last chance to gain automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup Field on November 7 is Saturday’s Lexus Stakes at Flemington.

Hartnell is guaranteed a start in the Cup sitting at third in the Order Of Entry.

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