Only 39 thoroughbreds remain in the Melbourne Cup 2026 order of entry, and a few high-profile horses pulling out of contention on Tuesday.
With only a week until the Group 1 $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) runs at Flemington, the potential field has dwindled to 39, with 15 horses not paying up for third acceptances, including two Chris Waller-trained runners.
We look at what horses remain and which horses dropped out.
Melbourne Cup Current Betting Market
The updated Melbourne Cup 2026 betting market reflects all 39 runners. Point of Law is the current favourite, having automatically qualified for the Melbourne Cup by winning last week’s Geelong Cup.
Horses at the bottom of the list include Torranzino, Strictly Business, and Manzor Blue, who could struggle to make an impact at Flemington next Tuesday.
Two big withdrawals from third acceptances were Aeliana and Birdman for Waller. They’ll target other races, with the surprise being Aeliana, who ran well in the Cox Plate last week, and she was well-fancied in the Melbourne Cup odds.
Melbourne Cup Withdrawn Runners
| Withdrawn Horses |
|---|
| Aeliana |
| Aethelwulf |
| Athabascan |
| Bella Montagna |
| Birdman |
| Deakin |
| Klondike |
| Land Legend |
| Newlook |
| Piggyback |
| Sam Hawkens |
| Sapphire Siren |
| Starford |
| Thebudgiesmugla |
| Wootton Verni |
Land Legend is another surprise withdrawal. He looked good when beating Sheza Alibi earlier this season, but he won’t be taking his place in the 2026 Melbourne Cup field.
Following a tough run on Saturday, Aethelwulf has also pulled out, and trainer Matthew Smith will assess his options.