The Melbourne Cup is only 24 days away. It seems to come around quicker every year.
This picture will change after today, especially following the running of the Herbert Power Stakes. However, Just Horse Racing wants to give you the up to date picture ahead of today’s race meeting.
Following the withdrawal of Manighar and Seville earlier this week, the top 24 currently looks like this:
Americain
Dunaden
Southern Speed
Red Cadeaux
Jakkalberry
Winchester
Ethiopia
Voila Ici
Lights of Heaven
Midas Touch
Cavalryman
Sanagas
Mount Athos
Maluckyday
Mourayan
Green Moon
Niwot
Zabeelionaire
Glencadam Gold
Tac de Boistron
My Quest For Peace
Fiorente
Galileo’s Choice
Precedence
Next in the order are Unusual Suspect, Moudre, Lost In The Moment and Brigantin.
Of those listed above, a number are queries. The biggest query probably hangs over Ethiopia, with trainer Pat Carey consistently stating the Australian Derby winner was likely to be saved for next year. A decision will be made after the Cox Plate.
Southern Speed may also be a query, depending on which path Leon McDonald chooses to take. Another poor performance in the Caulfield Cup like her effort in the Turnbull Stakes would likely see her spelling.
The Herbert Power Stakes today could be a game changer, with the winner to receive a penalty which may catapult them into the final field.
The Caulfield Cup next weekend is always the biggest shifter, with some horses dropping out after running poorly while others pass the first ballot clause. The first eight across the line pass the clause, so a horse like December Draw only needs to finish in the top 8 to enter the 24.
With the Australian stayers starting to get up to a trip, it is a sign we are not far away from this nation’s greatest sporting event.
