CAULFIELD Cup favourite Speed Gifted is within one spot of claiming a place in the field for the $2.5 million handicap on Saturday week following third declarations for the race yesterday, reports The Age.It says: Earlier this week, the imported galloper was elevated to equal 24th in order for a run after he was penalised two kilograms for his Metropolitan Handicap win at Randwick last Saturday, but now finds himself equal 19th in line after 38 horses dropped out yesterday.Connections of 44 hors

CAULFIELD Cup favourite Speed Gifted is within one spot of claiming a place in the field for the $2.5 million handicap on Saturday week following third declarations for the race yesterday, reports The Age.

It says: Earlier this week, the imported galloper was elevated to equal 24th in order for a run after he was penalised two kilograms for his Metropolitan Handicap win at Randwick last Saturday, but now finds himself equal 19th in line after 38 horses dropped out yesterday.

Connections of 44 horses paid yesterday's $1430 third declaration.

Those ranked above Speed Gifted that were not among the 44 third acceptors were Cox Plate favourite Whobegotyou (equal first), Unsung Heroine (eq 14th), Maco'Reilly (eq 16th), Zarita (eq 16th) and Jungle Rocket (eq 21st).

Speed Gifted retained his spot at the top of the Caulfield Cup market at $4.50 ahead of Predatory Pricer ($6.50).

Final declarations are taken next Tuesday but Speed Gifted could be pushed further down the order by then. The winners of Saturday's Yalumba Stakes, Toorak Handicap and Herbert Power Stakes are exempt from any ballot that takes place after Tuesday's final acceptance fee of $20,625 is paid.

Even if Speed Gifted was to miss out, the committee of the Melbourne Racing Club would be expected to use discretionary powers to lift him into the final line-up.