‘17 Melbourne Cup field taking shape
Expect changes as they work towards finalising the final field of 24
The final field of 24 for the Emirates Melbourne Cup is close to being cemented with minimal changes expected between now and when acceptances will be taken on Saturday afternoon.
At this point, Thomas Hobson is in real danger of missing a start in the AU$6.2 million race as he sits at number 26 in the order of entry and can drop even further down the list as the winner of the Lexus Stakes is guaranteed a place in the field.
Wall Of Fire, impressive at his Australian debut in the Herbert Power, is also touch-andgo as to whether he will get a start as he currently sits at number 24. Connections of Bendigo Cup winner Qewy - who advanced one spot to 22 in the order of entry following Wednesday’s win - are set to decide today whether he will run in the Melbourne Cup, a decision which will have a huge bearing on the chances of Wall Of Fire. The last chance to secure a place in the Melbourne Cup is via the Lexus Stakes and eight of the 10 runners are still nominated but still sit outside the first 24 in order of entry, with Harlem the highest at 27.
Glen Boss was locked in to ride Ventura Storm, replacing the suspended Regan Bayliss, who had his Cup dreams shattered at Bendigo on Wednesday.
Lloyd Williams is still to confirm the makeup of his Melbourne Cup team but it is expected that Gallante will take his place in the field. Jockeys for his horses not already listed are still to be decided.
START TIME
The 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup will be run at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne at 6pm (Fijian time) on Tuesday, November 7.