Champion trainer Chris Waller leads the charge with 14 first acceptances, with a host of them showcasing their credentials at Flemington this morning. Headlining the group is Via Sistina, the favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes, who worked alongside stablemates Buckaroo, Aeliana and last year’s Cup runner Land Legend.

A strong contingent of international horses have declared their intention to run in this year’s race with 11 horses still among the nominations. History shows Ireland has been the dominant force for international contenders, producing more Lexus Melbourne Cup winners than any other nation. Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien, already a two-time Cup winner, returns with dual chances Goodie Two Shoes and current favourite Al Riffa, who was a dominant winner of the Irish St Leger.

The first shipment of international horses arrived in Melbourne across the weekend, including Absurde (Willie Mullins, Ireland), Golden Snap (Katsunori Tanaka, Japan), Meydaan (Simon & Ed Crisford, England), Onesmoothoperator (Brian Ellison, England), and Presage Nocturne (Alessandro Botti, France).

Golden Ticket winner Deakin, who fought bravely to the line to secure the Lexus Roy Higgins, has accepted for this year’s Cup and has nominated for this weekend at Flemington. Joining him is American contender Parchment Party, who arrived in Newmarket yesterday to begin his pre-export quarantine, and Revelare, who booked his place with victory in the Lexus Archer Stakes.

Hall of Fame Trainer Gai Waterhouse AO and co-trainer Adrian Bott will saddle two strong chances in this year’s Cup, having taken over the training of Vauban one of the race favourites in the past two years alongside their Underwood Stakes winner, Sir Delius.

VRC Executive General Manager of Racing, Leigh Jordon, said the first acceptances are always a significant moment for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

“The 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup is shaping up as a truly great contest, with the first acceptances showcasing the depth of class set to line up in this year’s race, marking an important milestone on the road to the Cup,” Mr Jordan said.

“International contenders add intrigue to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, and this year runners from the UK, Japan, England, France, America and Germany will challenge the locals in what promises to be an exciting contest.”

“A number of Lexus Melbourne Cup hopefuls will be on display at Flemington this weekend for TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. The race meeting is highlighted by the Lexus Bart Cummings, which offers a coveted Golden Ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”

Second declarations for the Lexus Melbourne Cup must be submitted by noon on Tuesday 14 October.

FULL LIST OF ACCEPTANCES - CLICK HERE