17 - Fancy Man

Irish import trained by Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald in Victoria, this lightweight seven-year-old has the job ahead.

Drawn in barrier 19, with no wins beyond 2,414m and no runs at 3,200m, there is a big query whether he gets the distance.

Came sixth in the Caulfield Cup last start. He will be ridden by Ron Stewart.

18 - Interpretation

Another Ciaron Maher horse, this Irish import carrying 50kg is going for his third Melbourne Cup run.

He failed to finish in 2022, and flashed home for sixth last year.

His last two runs have had similar fast finishes for sixth in the Bart Cummings (G3, 2,520m) and second in the Geelong Cup (G2, 2,400m).

His record at Flemington is not good, however - 11 runs for one placing.

19 - Manzoice

A Chris Waller entry, this five-year-old gelding won the Victorian Derby (G1, 2,500m) two years ago, but hasn't shown much since.

He prepped for the Melbourne Cup with a seventh place at the Moonee Valley Cup 10 days ago, and is seen as a better runner with some rain in the ground.

Will need to lift substantially to be involved in the finish.

20 - Mostly Cloudy

An Irish import for the training duo of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, this six-year-old gelding came second in the Brisbane Cup in June over 3,200m.

Seen as a possible rough chance to make the first four, his overall record over 3,200m is three runs for a first and a second.

Ridden by Hong Kong-based Mauritian jockey Karis Teetan.