Cox Plate champion Via Sistina remains in contention for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup after third acceptances closed.

A total of 35 horses a vying for a start in the Group 1 handicap over 3200m at Flemington on Tuesday week.

Via Sistina is the current topweight with 56kg for the Melbourne Cup with a decision still pending on whether the mare will take her place.

Melbourne Cup order of entry: View the Melbourne Cup 2024 order of entry

Final declarations are due at 4.30pm on Saturday with the barrier draw to follow.

Vauban, Absurde and current Cup favourite Jan Brueghal will represent Irish trainers while Onesmoothoperator and Sea King represent Great Britain, if the latter can run in the top three in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on Wednesday.

Japan’s Warp Speed rounds out the international contingent.

Via Sistina is one of seven Group 1 winners still in contention for the Cup while the mare’s trainer Chris Waller also has Buckaroo, Land Legend, Kovalica, Francesco Guardi, Manzoice and Valiant King as third acceptors.

Victoria Racing Club Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said those that remain in contention for the Melbourne Cup will ensure a great race, but he was particularly impressed with the victory of Via Sistina in the Cox Plate.

“Via Sistina’s win on Saturday was breathtaking and it would be fantastic to see her line up in the race and try and emulate the feats of Verry Elleegant,” Jordon said.

Meanwhile, Okita Soushi who took out the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on Friday night has been rehandicapped 1kg, lifting his weight to 51kg.

The weight is 0.5kg less than he carried in last year’s race where he finished 11th to Without A Fight.

Jamie Kah has been booked for the ride after it was announced on Saturday that Point King would not be taking his place.

“It was quite a shock on Saturday when I found out Point King wasn’t running, so that’s disappointing, but I’m happy to get on Okita Soushi,” Kah said.

“I galloped the horse before he won last Friday. He gave me a really nice feel and for a staying horse he feels like he’s got a really nice turn of foot.

“I’m looking forward to riding him and Ciaron Maher, what better trainer to be riding for in the Cup.”

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