Third acceptances have been completed for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, where only 39 horses remain in contention to run next Tuesday.
We’re only a week out until the Melbourne Cup runs at Flemington, and the potential field has firmed to 39, with 15 horses not paying up for third acceptances, including Aeliana, Birdman, and Aethelwulf.
Melbourne Cup odds have been updated, and there have been some betting moves.
Melbourne Cup Current Betting Market
The updated Melbourne Cup 2026 betting market shows all 39 runners. Point of Law is the current favourite, having automatically qualified for the Melbourne Cup by winning last week’s Geelong Cup.
There are some long shots to make the final field, which is reflected in betting markets, and most of the money has come for the internationals.
Two big withdrawals from third acceptances were Aeliana and Birdman for Chris Waller. Aeliana ran in the Cox Plate last Saturday, but won’t be asked to back up over 3200m just over a week later.
Melbourne Cup Withdrawn Runners
| Withdrawn Horses |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 beat Sheza Alibi earlier this season, which was one of the biggest upsets in Group 1 history.
Aethelwulf endured a tough run in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Saturday, so trainer Matthew Smith will likely give him a rest.