<\/p>\n
The race is on for the final places in the 24-horse $10 million Melbourne Cup next week after 40 horses were paid up as third declarations at Monday\u2019s 10am deadline.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s Bendigo Cup (2400m) could play an important part in shaping the field as five Melbourne Cup hopefuls attempt to improve their positions on the ballot order ahead of Saturday afternoon\u2019s final declarations.<\/p>\n
While the Bendigo Cup does not offer a golden ticket, the winner can be penalised and rise up the order via prizemoney won.<\/p>\n
Just eight horses dropped out of the Melbourne Cup at the third stage after 48 were paid up for at second declarations two weeks ago.<\/p>\n
Owner Lloyd Williams, a seven-time winner of the Melbourne Cup, has two remaining chances in Changingoftheguard and Post Impressionst after stablemates Adelaide River, Point King and Cleveland dropped out at third declarations.<\/p>\n
Incredibly, among the final 40 is Parchment Party, who is aiming to be the first American-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup.<\/p>\n
Horses to drop out at third declaration stage were:\u00a0Adelaide River, Brayden Star, Cleveland, Gilded Water, Point King, Revelare, King\u2019s Valley and Dashing Duchess.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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