With just seven days remaining until the prestigious 2024 Melbourne Cup, the field for the $8.5 million race is becoming clearer following Monday morning's third declarations. The race, famously referred to as “the race that stops the nation,” now has 34 contenders, all aiming for one of the 24 starting slots in the final lineup.

As of the latest updates, five horses remain outside the first ballot clause, requiring an unexpected breakthrough to secure a spot in the final 24. Meanwhile, as anticipation builds, fourth declarations will take place on Saturday afternoon, where connections will need to contribute a significant $49,500 entry fee to keep their contenders in the race.

Among those assured entry are Via Sistina, Just Fine, and The Map, each of whom have clinched a start by winning a ballot-exempt race—Via Sistina with the Cox Plate, Just Fine with The Bart Cummings, and The Map at the Andrew Ramsden Stakes. Following the Derby Day meeting at Flemington this weekend, the final field for the Melbourne Cup will be officially set, and the eagerly awaited barrier draw will take place.

Shock Scratch of Undefeated Jan Brueghel

One major surprise this week was the withdrawal of undefeated import Jan Brueghel from next week's Melbourne Cup after failing to pass a vet inspection. The unexpected decision has left connections reeling, as Jan Brueghel had been listed at $7.50 odds, making him a close contender behind leading favorites like Buckaroo ($5), Geelong Cup victor Onesmoothoperator ($5), Cox Plate champion Via Sistina ($5.50), and fellow import Vauban ($6).

The inspection was conducted by Racing Victoria veterinarians at the Werribee quarantine facility on Tuesday morning, resulting in the scratch of the Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old. Racing Victoria’s decision took the team by surprise.

“He doesn’t pass the veterinary inspection to run in the Melbourne Cup... the decision was from Racing Victoria... We’re very disappointed,” stated Coolmore Stud's Tom Magnier on RSN. “He went through all the protocols in Ireland before departing to come down here. The lads have been very happy with the horse; he’s been bouncing out there in quarantine (at Werribee). But the vets have come up with the decision that has been made that he doesn’t pass the veterinary inspection to run in the Melbourne Cup.”

Having arrived in Australia just three weeks ago, Jan Brueghel has maintained an unbroken winning streak across his four career starts, making this decision a hard hit for the team and his backers.

Via Sistina’s Decision Looms Large

Another focal point in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup is the recent Cox Plate winner, Via Sistina, who has secured a spot in the 3200-meter Cup if her connections decide to enter her. Via Sistina’s price fell sharply to a $4.50 favorite following her Cox Plate victory, yet there remain considerations for those looking to back her.

A primary concern is that Via Sistina has yet to race beyond 2040 meters, raising questions about her ability to handle the Melbourne Cup’s grueling distance. Additionally, the decision on her participation is still pending. However, if it were up to her jockey James McDonald, the decision would be clear.

“I would do it, but I am without a ride. I would love her to run in the Melbourne Cup. From the footage Chris has sent me as to how she has pulled up, she has pulled up sensational,” McDonald shared on RSN927 on Monday.

Calendar Adjustments Impacting Melbourne Cup Preparation

This year, a significant change to the racing calendar has affected horses’ preparation for the Melbourne Cup. The Lexus Archer Stakes, traditionally held on Derby Day, is absent from this year’s schedule on the weekend. Previously, the Lexus Archer offered horses one last chance to qualify with a Cup ballot exemption if they secured a win. Moving forward, however, the Lexus Archer will be held in September rather than October.

As a result, Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup stands as the final opportunity for horses ranked outside the top 24 to earn a weight penalty that could elevate their standing in the Order of Entry. Three horses currently outside the top 30—Sea King, Whisky on The Hill, and Le Don De Vie—are set to participate, with a top-two finish necessary to secure a weight penalty significant enough to move them up the entry order.

Current Melbourne Cup Order of Entry

Ballot-Exempt Horses

• 1. Via Sistina (IRE), 56kg, Chris Waller
• 1. Just Fine (IRE), 53kg, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
• 1. The Map, 50kg, Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray

Passed Ballot Clause on October 28

• 4. Jan Brueghel (IRE), 54kg, Aidan O’Brien (SCRATCHED)
• 1. Vauban (FR), 55.5kg, Willie Mullins
• 1. Circle Of Fire (GB), 54.5kg, Ciaron Maher
• 1. Buckaroo (GB), 54.5kg, Chris Waller
• 1. Warp Speed (JPN), 54.5kg, Noboru Takagi
• 1. Zardozi, 51.5kg, James Cummings
• 1. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ), 53.5kg, Graeme & Deborah Rogerson
• 1. Kovalica (NZ), 53.5kg, Chris Waller
• 1. Land Legend (FR), 53kg, Chris Waller
• 1. Absurde (FR), 52.5kg, Willie Mullins
• 1. Athabascan (FR), 52kg, John O’Shea & Tom Charlton
• 1. Mahrajaan (USA), 52kg, Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray
• 1. Knight’s Choice, 51.5kg, John Symons & Sheila Laxon
• 1. Okita Soushi (IRE), 51kg, Ciaron Maher
• 1. Onesmoothoperator (USA), 51kg, Brian Ellison
• 1. Muramasa, 51kg, Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
• 1. Valiant King (GB), 50.5kg, Chris Waller
• 1. Interpretation (IRE), 50kg, Ciaron Maher
• 1. Fancy Man (IRE), 50kg, Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald
• 1. Mostly Cloudy (IRE), 50kg, Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
• 1. Positivity (NZ), 50kg, Andrew Forsman

Horses Yet to Pass Ballot Clause

• Eq. 31st - Francesco Guardi, 52kg, Chris Waller
• Eq. 31st - Le Don De Vie, 50kg, Ciaron Maher
• Eq. 33rd - Sea King, 50kg, H Eustace
• Eq. 33rd - Waltham, 50kg, Matthew Smith
• Eq. 33rd - Whisky on The Hill, 50kg, Mike Moroney & Glen Thompson

With final declarations approaching, the excitement is mounting as the contenders prepare for the 2024 Melbourne Cup, promising to deliver another unforgettable spectacle.