Without A Fight wont defend Melbourne Cup title

Last year’s winner of the Melbourne Cup, Without A Fight, is a notable omission from the 72 horses that remain in contention for Australia’s great race.

Without A Fight was topweight when weights were released on September 17, but the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained galloper, who has not raced since winning the Cup last year, was not paid up to defend his title.

The Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina, who runs in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday, now becomes topweight with 56kg.

In all, 66 local gallopers and six internationals remain in contention the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5.

Of the six internationals, two have already arrived on Australian shores – Onesmoothoperator for Brian Ellison and Sea King for Harry Eustace, the brother of former Ciaron Maher training partner David Eustace.

Saturday’s meeting, which also features the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m), is likely to play a significant role in the Melbourne Cup, with six of the last eight locally trained winners having raced at the Turnbull Stakes Day fixture.

The Bart Cummings offers the winner a ballot exemption into the Cup, with the remaining two ballot free options after Saturday being the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19 and the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley the following week.

Victoria Racing Club Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said the first acceptances were strong.

“There is a strong group of 72 local and international contenders hoping to achieve the ultimate success in this year’s Melbourne Cup,” Jordon said.

“This weekend’s race day will be a great form reference for those horses who are racing towards the first Tuesday in November with the day a proven path for trainers and connections.”

The next round of declarations close on October 15, followed by third acceptances on October 28.

The final field will be announced on Victoria Derby Day, November 2, at 4.30pm.