The Melbourne Cup field has been finalized following the barrier draw at Flemington, with mixed results for leading contenders. Caulfield Cup winner Mer De Glace drew barrier two and is the new $7 favorite for Tuesday's $8 million race, aiming to become the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to complete the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double.
Former favorite Constantinople drew barrier seven and is second favorite at $8. However, some horses face challenging draws, including Surprise Baby in barrier 20, though trainer Paul Preusker remains optimistic, noting that the wide gate may not be as detrimental this year due to a potentially fast pace.
Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien secured the final spot in the field when Downdraft won the Hotham Handicap. O'Brien, who won the Cup in 2017 with Rekindling, has four entries, while his father Aidan has three, together accounting for nearly one-third of the 24-horse field.
Godolphin's Cross Counter, last year's winner, drew barrier five but carries top weight of 57.5 kg. Other notable draws include Prince of Arran in barrier eight and Raymond Tusk in barrier three. Nearly half the field are overseas-trained gallopers, highlighting the international nature of the race.
