Full field declared for 2018 Melbourne Cup

Japanese horse Sole Impact has missed a start in the Melbourne Cup after his failure in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington.

A full field of 24 has been declared for Tuesday’s Cup (3200m) with Sydney Cup runner-up Zacada and Scottish stayer Nakeeta claiming the final two places.

The only three-year-old possible runner, Thinkin’ Big, missed out when he was unplaced in the Victoria Derby while English horse A Prince Of Arran assured his place with his Lexus victory.

Red Verdon was taken out of the race by trainer Ed Dunlop after undergoing several veterinary tests since Thursday when he was found to have a bruised heel.

Damien Oliver had been going to ride Red Verdon but was snapped up by trainer Darren Weir for Red Cardinal when the former was withdrawn.

Eleven of the 24 are trained in the northern hemisphere.