The Melbourne Cup (3200m) will boast an impressive list of international participants, but not a record presence following the release of an updated Order of Entry after second acceptances were paid today. A total of eight internationally-trained horses, headed by French star Dunaden (ranked 2nd), are currently ranked in the top 24 with all bar Simenon (23rd) guaranteed a start in the $6.2 million feature on 5 November.

With the winners of Saturday’s Longines Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and Lexus Stakes (2500m) both guaranteed a start in the Cup, the Irish stayer could be leapfrogged if the winners of both races are Cup nominees currently outside the field limit of 24.

A record 11 internationally-trained horses contested the 2011 Cup won by Dunaden, with eight starters in each of the 2012, 2010 and 2002 editions.

A further two horses in quarantine at the TAB Werribee International Horse Centre, Irish mare Voleuse De Coeurs (7th) and French colt Tres Blue (10th), are guaranteed a Cup start, but the imports will officially debut as locally-trained runners for Mike Moroney and Gai Waterhouse respectively.

Click here to view updated Emirates Melbourne Cup Order of Entry

The internationally-trained acceptors joining Dunaden and Simenon inside the top 24 are Red Cadeaux (4th), Brown Panther (11th), Dandino (14th), Verema (15th), Mount Athos (20th) and Royal Empire (21st).

Outside of that group, Forgotten Voice (32nd) will need a hefty attrition rate before final acceptances late Saturday afternoon if he is to secure a start, while fellow English stayer Ruscello will need to win the Lexus Stakes to force his way in.

The remaining international, the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Caravan Rolls On, is yet to pass the first elimination clause, but unlike Ruscello he will not contest the Lexus Stakes as he does not conclude his quarantine period until Monday.

Owner Lloyd Williams and his private trainer Robert Hickmott currently have 25% of the Melbourne Cup field with BMW Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner (1st), defending champion Green Moon (3rd), Sea Moon (5th), Mourayan (16th), Seville (17th) and Masked Marvel (22nd) all now guaranteed starts.

Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller has Hawkspur (9th) and Foreteller (12th) inside the top 24 at present, but last year’s Lexus Stakes winner and Cup fourth placegetter Kelinni is precariously placed as the 25th ranked horse – one behind Western Australian star Mr Moet.

Sportingbet Geelong Cup winner Ibicenco (26th), Bart Cummings’ Drake International Moonee Valley Cup winner Precedence (29th) and highly touted import Jet Away (30th) are the high profile entries outside the cut off.