The pursuit of Melbourne Cup glory continues for 71 horses following the closure of first acceptances.

Of the 71 remaining contenders, 13 represent international stables for the 3200m Flemington feature on November 3.

Last year’s winner, Half Yours, is set to carry topweight as he attempts to win the race again for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.

Half Yours is continuing his Melbourne Cup campaign by contesting the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. After that run, a decision will be made on whether the stayer targets the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 or the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington seven days later.

Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher has the largest contingent still in contention for the Melbourne Cup, with 14 first acceptances. This list includes Shockletz, who secured a ballot exemption with her win in The Archer Stakes on September 12, as well as Middle Earth and Okita Soushi, both having previous Cup placings to their name.

Chris Waller has eight horses still in the mix, including Aeliana, Birdman, Asterix, Ohope Wins, Valiant King, and Soulcombe.

Of the 13 international entries for the Cup, Small Fry, Omni Man, and Starford from Joseph O’Brien’s team are already in Australia, alongside Wine Dark Sea (Harry Charlton), Enfjaar (Roger Varian), and Point Of Law (Maher).

Currently in quarantine and awaiting their voyage to Melbourne are O’Brien’s trainees Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct, Defiantly, James J Braddock, and Goodie Two Shoes. Also en route are Hopewell Rock (George Boughey) and Japan’s Stinger Glass (Yasuo Tomomichi).

Second acceptances are due on October 13. The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington this Saturday offers the winner a ballot exemption.

Other races conferring ballot exemptions are the Caulfield Cup, the Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21, the Cox Plate, and the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24.

For those interested in the action, checking the latest betting markets for the race at racing betting markets could prove insightful.