We’re one step closer to finding out what the 2024 Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) final field will look like, with Racing Victoria’s (RV) Head of Handicapping, David Hegan releasing the official weights and order of entry for the race that stops the nation.
77 horses have passed the first ballot for entry into Australia’s greatest staying contest, with four horses currently ballot exempt for November 5, including last Saturday’s Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) winner Point King.
The Map is the other Australian galloper already gaining entry via the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m), while overseas raiders Magical Zoe (Ebor) and The Grey Wizzard (Belmont Gold Cup) are both assured a spot provided they elect to head down under.
It will come as no shock that the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight heads the weight scales for the first Tuesday of November, with last year’s winner copping a 2kg penalty, and will need to lug 58.5kg to victory this time around.
Click here to view the full 2024 Melbourne Cup Order of Entry.
Via Sistina is the next highest weighted Australian-trained galloper, with the three-time Group 1 winning mare listed at 56kg, while Buckaroo (54.5kg) is the only other Chris Waller-trained galloper in the top 24.
Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Circle Of Fire (54.5kg) and European import Middle Earth (55.5kg) are both listed as potential starters for the Ciaron Maher barn, while the Anthony & Sam Freedman camp have thrown Place Du Carrousel (54kg) and Royal Champion (55.5kg) into the mix.
Aiden O’Brien could bring a strong cohort of European raiders for this year’s edition, with Jan Brueghel (54kg), Illinois (53kg), Point Lonsdale (55.5kg) and Grosvenor Square (52kg) all sitting in the top 24.
Vauban (55.5kg) could be back to make amends for last year’s disappointing effort, while the Willie Mullins stable companion Absurde (52.5kg) may need to earn his place this time around.
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