The number of horses still in contention for the 2026 Melbourne Cup has been reduced to 58 following the conclusion of second declarations.

Ciaron Maher maintains a strong hand with 14 horses remaining in the hunt for the Melbourne Cup, a prestigious 3200m event scheduled for Flemington on November 3. His notable contenders include Shockletz and Mr Monaco, recent winners of ballot-exempt races The Archer and The Bart Cummings respectively. Middle Earth, a horse that placed in last year’s Cup, is also part of Maher’s formidable team.

From Chris Waller’s stable, key contenders are Aeliana, Ohope Wins, and Pinhole, who triumphed in last week’s Herbert Power Stakes.

This Saturday’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) features 19 acceptors who are also still listed among the 58 Melbourne Cup second declarations, prominently including Half Yours, the horse that achieved the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double last year.

A contingent of 13 European stayers have been paid up for as second declarations, with nine of these originating from the stable of Joseph O’Brien, a trainer with two Melbourne Cup victories. Headlining O’Brien’s entries are Definantly, which earned a ‘Golden Ticket’ with its win in the Prix Kergolay at Deauville in August, and Goodie Two Shoes, a horse that finished placed in last year’s Cup behind Half Yours.

Four races remain that offer ‘Golden Tickets’: the Caulfield Cup, the Geelong Cup, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and the Cox Plate.

Third declarations are scheduled to be taken on October 26, with the final field and barrier draw to be announced on October 31.

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