Sixty-six horses remain in contention for the $10 million Melbourne Cup after first acceptances closed on Tuesday, with a mix of local stars and international raiders.
Chris Waller leads all trainers with 14 acceptors, headed by Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina, who lines up in Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Waller could also have Aeliana, Buckaroo and Land Legend pressing their Cup claims in the coming weeks.
The internationals are again a major force. Dual Cup winner, Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien, already has St Leger hero Al Riffa – the $6 favourite – and Goodie Two Shoes in quarantine. A shipment of runners has already arrived in Melbourne, including Absurde (Willie Mullins), Golden Snap (Japan), Meydaan (UK), Onesmoothoperator (UK) and Presage Nocturne (France).
American galloper Parchment Party, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, is also in quarantine in Newmarket and could become the first US-trained Cup starter.
Golden Ticket winners Deakin and Revelare add further intrigue, while Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse AO and Adrian Bott could have two strong chances with Sir Delius and former favourite Vauban.
VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon said the first acceptances underline the Cup’s international prestige.
“Runners from England, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan and the United States will challenge the locals in what promises to be an exciting contest,” Jordon said.
“A number of Lexus Melbourne Cup hopefuls will be on display at Flemington this weekend for TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. The race meeting is highlighted by the Lexus Bart Cummings, which offers a coveted Golden Ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”
Second declarations are due by noon on October 14.
