Melbourne Cup: 58 stayers left in the hunt after second declarations
The number of potential Melbourne Cup candidates has been trimmed to 58 after the second round of declarations closed.
Ciaron Maher has a significant presence with 14 horses still in contention for the Melbourne Cup, which will be contested over 3200m at Flemington on November 3. His team includes Shockletz and Mr Monaco, recent winners of ballot-exempt races The Archer and The Bart Cummings respectively. Also in Maher's squad is Middle Earth, who placed in last year's Cup.
Chris Waller's notable entries are Aeliana, Ohope Wins, and Pinhole, the victor of last week's Herbert Power Stakes.
Saturday's Caulfield Cup (2400m) has 19 horses that are also still in the Melbourne Cup second declarations, including last year's Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double winner, Half Yours.
Thirteen European stayers have paid up for the second declarations, with nine of these coming from the stable of Joseph O'Brien, a trainer with two Cup victories to his name. Leading the O'Brien charge are Definantly, who secured a 'Golden Ticket' with a win in the Prix Kergolay at Deauville in August, and Goodie Two Shoes, who finished placed in last year's Cup behind Half Yours.
Four crucial 'Golden Ticket' races remain: the Caulfield Cup, the Geelong Cup, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and the Cox Plate.
The deadline for third declarations is October 26, followed by the final field and barrier draw on October 31.
You can find the latest racing odds by checking out these leading online bookmakers.
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