There were some big names but no big surprises to drop out of the Melbourne Cup race on Tuesday, with 53 horses still chasing the first $10 million Cup following second declarations.
Chris Waller’s weight-for-age stars Via Sistina and Aeliana, as well as the likes of stablemates Kovalica and Militarize, dropped out of the Cup at the second declarations stage but the champion trainer still has nine nominations remaining for the race he won in 2021 with Verry Elleegant.
The 53 second declarations represent a slight drop on the 55 declarations still alive at the same stage 12 months before.
The 13 horses to drop out of Melbourne Cup contention at the second declaration stage were: Via Sistina, Aeliana, Kovalica, Mister Wolfgang, Asterix, The Map, Mormona, Militarize, Golden Path, Bur Dubai, Flying Bandit, Lastotchka and Naval College.
Via Sistina will instead progress to the Cox Plate, but a decision is still to be made on whether Aeliana also goes to The Valley’s biggest race or is sent for a spell.
The Melbourne Cup third declarations are due by 10:30am (AEDT) on October 27.