Will he or won't he? The Gatewood saga rolls on. Latest news, from Racing Victoria, is that the Geelong Cup winner may yet find his way into the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup field despite currently being stranded 36th in the order of entry. The English stayer has been nominated for both the $1 million Grp 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and the $250,000 Grp 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington next Saturday. Both races offer the winner ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup three days later. Part-owne

Will he or won't he? The Gatewood saga rolls on. Latest news, from Racing Victoria, is that the Geelong Cup winner may yet find his way into the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup field despite currently being stranded 36th in the order of entry. The English stayer has been nominated for both the $1 million Grp 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and the $250,000 Grp 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington next Saturday. Both races offer the winner ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup three days later. Part-owner Terry Henderson says: "We have to weigh up whether the potential increase of Gatewood's value as a stallion makes it worth running in the Mackinnon...If we think it isn't the best option for his Melbourne Cup chances then we will run in the Lexus...Backing him up shouldn't be an issue as he has just come through the run at Geelong so well."

LATEST MELBOURNE CUP MARKET

Americain (FR) 6.50
Dunaden (FR) 6.50
Mount Athos (GB) 10.00
Red Cadeaux (GB) 10.00
Brigantin (FR) 13.00
Ethiopia 13.00
Maluckyday 13.00
Galileo's Choice (IRE) 17.00
Green Moon 21.00
Shahwardi (FR) 21.00
Gatewood (GB) 26.00
Lights Of Heaven 26.00
Mourayan 26.00
My Quest For Peace (GB) 26.00
Fiorente 34.00
Tac De Boistron 34.00
Winchester 34.00
Glencadam Gold 41.00
Sanagas 41.00
Cavalryman (UAE) 51.00
Jakkalberry (GB) 51.00
Lost In The Moment (UAE) 51.00
Southern Speed 51.00
Zabeelionaire 51.00

Southern Speed will be paid up for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) second acceptances following her fast-finishing sixth in the Cox Plate (2040m). The mare's co-trainer Leon Macdonald says he was pleased with how last year's Caulfield Cup winner came through yesterday's run and at this stage she would head towards the Melbourne Cup. "We'll accept with her in the morning and she'll head towards the Melbourne Cup at this stage," Macdonald said. "She's come through yesterday's run in excellent shape and if she continues to please us then we'll press on."