1. Admire Rakti $4.80
The general feeling is that he escaped light by only receiving a half-kilogram penalty for winning the Caulfield Cup. Slightly out in betting but still the one to beat.
2. Fawkner $13
The Cox Plate is his moment of truth on Saturday, but if he wins his price will halve. He ran sixth in the Melbourne Cup last year.
3. Protectionist $6.50 (up from 5)
The Prix Kergorlay winner in France continues to tick along all right at Werribee. He has thrived since being in Australia and reports are it is the best the stable has had him.
4. Mutual Regard $19 (down from 7)
The Ebor Handicap winner at York has been the centre of a jockey battle. Damien Oliver, who has won three Melbourne cups,including last year on Fiorente, has taken the ride.
5. Willing Foe $21 (down from 4)
He sat off Godolphin's other Cup hopeful Cavalryman in a gallop on Tuesday and finished on terms. Continues to impress trackwatchers at Werribee.
6. Red Cadeaux $21 (down from 3)
Two-time Melbourne Cup runner-up didn't gallop at Geelong as scheduled on Tuesday because of fears it would have taken him even further under his racing weight.
7. Lucia Valentina $7.50 (up from 8)
Kerrin McEvoy has committed to stay with the Caulfield Cup placegetter. She will continue a low-key preparation and work on Saturday.
8. My Ambivalent $51 (up from 9)
She has overcome the bruised heels that kept her out of the Caulfield Cup and has been getting serious again on the track. The two miles might be a question mark but has a lot of class.
9. Araldo $21 (up from 10)
Another that caught the eye in the Caulfield Cup when running into fifth. He ran great sections between the 800 metres and turn. Appeals as a strong stayer that will get two miles.
10. Caravan Rolls On $26 (new)
Out-and-out stayer who took an inside run to win the Geelong Cup on Wednesday. Craig Williams said he would run out the 3200 metres at Flemington, but there is a question on his class, as it was a weak Geelong Cup.
