The 2010 JRA Cup, to run under the lights at Moonee Valley this Friday night, has drawn a capacity field of 14 horses including many that are either seeking a qualification for the Caulfield Cup or looking to move up the order of entry.

The winner of the $200,000 Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) will pass the first ballot clause and earn a penalty for the 2010 Caulfield Cup on October 16, making for a heated and very competitive showdown.

Last year’s JRA Cup champion Alcopop is back to defend its title, the Jake Stephens-trained gelding drawn well in barrier four and looking to atone for his recent string of poor performances including his last start ninth at Morphettville.

One horse that will be desperate to win and qualify is Bart Cummings’ Precedence.

Five-year-old Zabeel gelding Precedence is one of the top early picks in the Caulfield Cup betting markets paying $15 through Sportsbet despite being well down the ballot in 42nd for the $2.5 million feature.

Precedence is coming off an eye-catching fourth to Whobegotyou in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and will start from barrier eight with Blake Shinn aboard.

The Lloyd Williams-owned Linton in barrier five is another Caulfield Cup entry that has passed the first elimination clause but is down in 29th spot.

Other notable runners in the 2010 JRA Cup including Naturalism Stakes winner Rainbow Styling out wide in gate 10, Lee Freedman’s Above Average and the David Hayes-trained duo Extra Zero and Chartreux.

In a huge night of racing at Moonee Valley, Friday’s card is headlined by the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) where Hay List is the raging favourite.

Other group race highlights include the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) featuring Caulfield Guineas hopefuls Hollowlea and Epic Dragon, and the Group 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m) for three-year-old fillies.

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*Note: Persian Star has been scratched from the 2010 JRA Cup

2010 JRA Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw