The 35 horses still in Melbourne Cup contention

The Lexus Melbourne Cup dream continues for 35 horses after third acceptances were taken today for the $8.56 million feature, eight days out from the race that stops a nation at Flemington.

Among them is Via Sistina, Saturday’s record-breaking Cox Plate winner, who remains on track to become the sixth horse to complete the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup double. The Chris Waller-trained mare has followed an almost identical path to Waller’s former stable star Verry Elleegant, who raced clear to win the Cup by four lengths in 2021.

Via Sistina is among seven Group 1 winners headlining the Australian team, joining Buckaroo, Zardozi, Circle Of Fire, Kovalica and Land Legend, while Lexus Andrew Ramsden Stakes winner The Map is also guaranteed a start.

This year Ireland will be represented by three horses - unbeaten English St Leger winner Jan Brueghel for Aidan O’Brien and Willie Mullins-prepared pair Vauban and Absurde - while Saturday’s extraordinary Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and Golden Ticket winner Just Fine are among those representing Australia having begun life in Ireland.

New Zealand is also set to have its largest representation in 15 years with four horses - Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Mahrajaan, Positivity and Trust In You - still in contention. Meanwhile, Kiwi trainers now based in Australia are set to shine with New Zealand expats responsible for 14 of the remaining entries.

Sheila Laxon, who has a perfect one-from-one record in the Cup having saddled up Ethereal to win in 2001, could make a sensational return 23 years on with husband and training partner John Symons. They have two third acceptors with Knight’s Choice and Mission Of Love.

Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator is one of two British-prepared entries, while Warp Speed will aim to become Japan’s second winner of the world’s richest handicap.

Victoria Racing Club Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said that the stage was set for another exciting Lexus Melbourne Cup.

“The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup is set to produce another sensational race as connections are preparing their horse’s for Australia’s most iconic race,” Mr Jordon said.

“Via Sistina’s win on Saturday was breathtaking and it would be fantastic to see her line up in the race and try and emulate the feats of Verry Elleegant,”

“It has all the makings of a Lexus Melbourne Cup for the ages and the countdown has well and truly begun as we approach the 164th running next Tuesday.”

Final declarations for the Lexus Melbourne Cup close at 4:30pm on Saturday 2 November, with the barrier draw for the world’s richest handicap to be conducted shortly afterwards in Flemington’s famous Mounting Yard.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup will be run on Tuesday 5 November as part of Australia’s greatest race week, the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival. It begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 2 November and also features Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 7 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 9 November.

All the action can be seen live and free across the Nine Network, the official broadcast partner and new home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The full list of third acceptances for the Lexus Melbourne Cup can be found HERE.

An updated order of entry for the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup can be found HERE.