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Few Suprises in Melbourne Cup 79
04/10/11

The major contenders stood their ground as 79 horses went forward for the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup following the first acceptance stage on Tuesday, October 4.

Modun
© Racehorse Photos

A total of 14 internationally-trained horses remain in contention for the $6.2 million ‘race that stops a nation' on Tuesday 1st November.

The international acceptors represent the UK, France and Hong Kong and include defending Cup champion Americain and Irish St Leger winner Jukebox Jury who top the weights on 58kg and 57kg respectively.

Luca Cumani, who trained the Melbourne Cup runner-up in 2007 and 2008, has accepted with four horses headlined by grey gallopers Bauer and Manighar, whilst global racing giant Godolphin, who boast four minor placings in the Cup, have accepted with Modun and Lost In The Moment.

Of the 14 international first acceptors, eight currently sit inside the top 24 ranked horses with trainers Ed Dunlop (Red Cadeaux, UK) and Mikel Delzangles (Dunaden, France) set to have their first Melbourne Cup runners.

Amongst the high profile Australian-trained acceptors were Sunday's Group 1 Turnbull Stakes winner December Draw (Mark Kavanagh) and runner-up Glass Harmonium (Mike Moroney), 2010 BMW Caulfield Cup winner Descarado (Gai Waterhouse) and multiple Group 1 winner My Kingdom Of Fife (Chris Waller).

Co-favourite Lion Tamer, a winner of last year's AAMI Victoria Derby at Flemington, is the highest profile of the New Zealand-trained horses amongst the 79 third acceptors.

Cups King Bart Cummings has four horses still in contention with last year's eighth placegetter Precedence and German import Illo, best placed to lead the master trainer's assault on a record 13th Cup.

Owner Lloyd Williams and his private trainer Robert Hickmott have kept six horses in the Cup, but did not pay up for 2009 Irish St Leger winner Alandi who has failed to fire in five Australian starts since then.

With sidelined stars Maluckyday, Littorio, Harris Tweed and Scarlett Lady all withdrawn as expected, the only notable omissions were Western Australian ace Playing God and Peter Moody's former New Zealand mare King's Rose.

Connections have also given up hope of securing a Cup start with two-time Australian Jumper of the Year Black And Bent who has been sent for a spell before being prepared for an overseas jumping campaign.

Emirates Melbourne Cup
(GROUP 1) 3200m $6,000,000