2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer is currently the 24th and final horse in the field for this year's 150th edition following the release of the updated order of entry, but that could all change on Saturday. With the winner of the Grp 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and Grp 3 The Lexus Stakes (2500m), both to be run at Flemington on Saturday, exempt from the Melbourne Cup ballot, the UK stayer's fate will be in the hands of others. If the winner of either race is ranked 25th - 47th then they will jum

2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer is currently the 24th and final horse in the field for this year's 150th edition following the release of the updated order of entry, but that could all change on Saturday. With the winner of the Grp 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and Grp 3 The Lexus Stakes (2500m), both to be run at Flemington on Saturday, exempt from the Melbourne Cup ballot, the UK stayer's fate will be in the hands of others. If the winner of either race is ranked 25th - 47th then they will jump ahead of Bauer, leaving the Luca Cumani stable to sweat on withdrawals prior to the final declarations deadline at 5pm on Saturday. Unlike a number of their rivals, Bauer and the Godolphin-owned pair Holberg (31st) and Eastern Aria (33rd) are unable to further their claims for a start this weekend as their post-arrival quarantine period does not conclude until Cup Eve. The trio are in training at the Werribee International Horse Centre alongside seven internationals that are guaranteed a start in the race. They are Campanologist (6th), Profound Beauty (9th), Mr Medici (10th), Illustrious Blue (12th), Tokai Trick (13th), Americain (14th) and Manighar (21st).

Key Cup entries still outside the top 24 at present are Precedence (26th), Herculian Prince (28th), Alcopop (29th), Linton (30th), Drunken Sailor (32nd) andMoudre (38th), all of whom are nominated for The Lexus on Saturday.

TAB Sportsbet's Matt Jenkins reports that there has been plenty of interest in the Melbourne Cup with third declarations taken today. He says Shocking has been very well supported - including one bet of $10,000 at $5. He adds: 'Over 40% of today's win investment has been on last year's winner. So You Think has eased out from $3.80 to $4.00.'

Melbourne Cup bets today:

$10,000 Shocking @ $5
$3,000 Shocking $5
$3,000 Moudre @ $81
$3,000 Profound Beauty @ $17
$2,000 Precedence @ $21
$1,200 Maluckyday @ $81