Horse Racing

The 2010 Caulfield Cup final field has been released featuring the 18 gallopers that will run in the richest 2400m handicap in the world this Saturday.

Earlier this morning 25 horses were paid up for in the final declaration stage this morning.

The $2.5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), set to run at Caulfield this Saturday, has a field limit of 18 starters meaning the Melbourne Racing Club had to determine which of the final acceptors made the cup.

The four horses that sat equal 17^th on the final declarations elimination order for the 2010 Caulfield Cup were Alcopop, Herculian Prince, Mourayan and Red Ruler, fighting for the final two spots in the field for Saturday’s showdown.

Last year’s beaten Melbourne Cup favourite Alcopop made the field after a slashing second behind So You Think in last Saturday’s Yalumba takes.

Gai Waterhouse’s Group 1 The Metropolitan winner Herculian Prince was the final Caulfield Cup starter.

Waterhouse will also be represented by High Chaparral four-year-old Descarado on Saturday.

The Lloyd Williams-owned Mourayan and Kiwi galloper Red Ruler were then installed as the first and second emergencies.

Third emergency for this year’s Caulfield Cup will be European raider Drunken Sailor, who was 21^st on the order of entry, the Luca Cumani-trained gelding heading towards the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 20.

Other horses accepted today but who were too far down the order of entry to gain a start were Valdemoro (22^nd) named the fourth emergency, equal 23^rd Moudre and Ginga Dude, and Count Encosta (25^th).

Moudre was a one-time favourite to win the Caulfield Cup, with trainer Ciaron Maher now having to reassess the remainder of his five-year-olds spring campaign.

Three international horses will feature in the 2010 Caulfield Cup field this year with Japan’s Tokai Trick, Hong Kong champion Mr Medici and another from the Cumani stables, Manighar.

Other notable horses in this year’s Caulfield Cup include topweight Shocking with 57kg, early favourite Metal Bender, and Bart Cummings’ star mares Faint Perfume and Dariana.

Stay tuned for our detailed Caulfield Cup preview after tomorrow’s barrier draw.

Get in on the betting action by signing up with Sportsbet now to get your Caulfield Cup favourites at the hottest odds in Australia.

Note: Zabrasive and Master O’Reilly have been scratched from the 2010 Caulfield Cup

Update: Jessicabeel has been scratched from today’s Caulfield Cup

2010 Caulfield Cup Final Field