The field is starting to fall away ahead of acceptances for the Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
Already declared as non-runners in Saturday’s Group One sprint are Ball Of Muscle, Eclair Choice, Keen Array and Brockhoff with a doubt also on Counterattack.
That brings the field down to 10 from the 15 original nominations.
Godolphin jockey James McDonald is heading to Melbourne from Sydney to ride highly regarded Exosphere in the 1000m-contest.
The three-year-old has already been backed from $2.40 to $2.30.
Chautauqua is on the next line of betting at $3 with the Chris Waller pair of Delectation ($7) and Japonisme ($9) the only other two runners under double figures.
Last year, a field of six ran with Lankan Rupee defeating Brazen Beau and Deep Field.
