Four Cox Plate runners will back up in Saturday’s Group One Mackinnon Stakes including reigning titleholder Side Glance.
The well-travelled gelding has drawn barrier seven for his rematch with Moonee Valley rivals Happy Trails (barrier 13), Foreteller (10) and Criterion who has drawn the inside gate.
Brambles is the only Melbourne Cup entry tackling the Mackinnon on Saturday but he is already safely in Tuesday’s field at 19th in the order of entry.
Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller will have four Mackinnon runners including Epsom Handicap winner He’s Your Man who has drawn well in five.
Caulfield Cup runner-up Rising Romance, one of two mares along with New Zealander Costume, has drawn awkwardly in 12.
The Group Three Lexus Stakes will again have an important bearing on the Melbourne Cup field with 12 of the 13 runners vying to force their way into Tuesday’s race.
Geelong Cup winner Caravan Rolls On has drawn the rails while Makybe Diva’s little sister La Amistad has gate four.
Unchain My Heart, who has drawn the outside gate in the Lexus, is currently in the Cup field at 24th in the order of entry but he is in danger of being leapfrogged by a rival if he doesn’t win on Saturday.
