Via Sistina remains in Melbourne Cup field after third acceptances

Posted by RS NewsWire at 5:21pm on October 28th

Cox Plate champion Via Sistina remains in contention for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup after third acceptances closed.

A total of 35 horses a vying for a start in the Group 1 handicap over 3200m at Flemington on Tuesday week.

Via Sistina is the current topweight with 56kg for the Melbourne Cup with a decision still pending on whether the mare will take her place.

Melbourne Cup order of entry: View the Melbourne Cup 2024 order of entry

Final declarations are due at 4.30pm on Saturday with the barrier draw to follow.

Vauban, Absurde and current Cup favourite Jan Brueghal will represent Irish trainers while Onesmoothoperator and Sea King represent Great Britain, if the latter can run in the top three in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on Wednesday.

Japan’s Warp Speed rounds out the international contingent.

Via Sistina is one of seven Group 1 winners still in contention for the Cup while the mare’s trainer Chris Waller also has Buckaroo, Land Legend, Kovalica, Francesco Guardi, Manzoice and Valiant King as third acceptors.

Victoria Racing Club Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said those that remain in contention for the Melbourne Cup will ensure a great race, but he was particularly impressed with the victory of Via Sistina in the Cox Plate.

“Via Sistina’s win on Saturday was breathtaking and it would be fantastic to see her line up in the race and try and emulate the feats of Verry Elleegant,” Jordon said.

Meanwhile, Okita Soushi who took out the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on Friday night has been rehandicapped 1kg, lifting his weight to 51kg.

The weight is 0.5kg less than he carried in last year’s race where he finished 11th to Without A Fight.

Jamie Kah has been booked for the ride after it was announced on Saturday that Point King would not be taking his place.

“It was quite a shock on Saturday when I found out Point King wasn’t running, so that’s disappointing, but I’m happy to get on Okita Soushi,” Kah said.

“I galloped the horse before he won last Friday. He gave me a really nice feel and for a staying horse he feels like he’s got a really nice turn of foot.

“I’m looking forward to riding him and Ciaron Maher, what better trainer to be riding for in the Cup.”

More Racing News

Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention

Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...

Today

Jamie Melham getting used to new name

New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...

Today

Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes

Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...

Today

The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes

Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...

Today

Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...

Yesterday

Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks

Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...

Yesterday

Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high

If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...

Yesterday

Price looking for Gold lining in the Southern Cross Stakes

Luke Price is the first to admit that Our Gold Hope will need both pace and luck to make an impact first-up in a black-type sprint, but he is equally confident she is in strong enough form to defy her outsider status. Priced at $61, the mare is set to start...

Yesterday

Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials

Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...

Yesterday

Important outing for Hearcomesthestar in the Bellmaine Stakes

Hearcomesthestar will be racing for more than just prize money when she steps out in a Stakes race at Sandown this Saturday. While finishing in the top three of the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) would be a bonus for connections, securing ‘Black Type’ is the primary goal. Trainer John...

Yesterday