Last year's Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux was a notable omission when first acceptances closed today for next month's $2.5 million Caulfield Cup.
UK trainer Ed Dunlop advised that Red Cadeaux will still be making the trip to Australia this spring with his program aimed solely at going one better in the $6 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November.
Another key international entry, the Roger Varian-trained Sri Putra, has succumbed to a foot abscess and also was withdrawn.
Last year's winner Southern Speed, who made a triumphant return to Victoria last weekend with her victory in the G2 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, is one of 116 first acceptors for the Caulfield Cup – just one less than in 2011.
Also among the acceptances are past Melbourne Cup winners Dunaden (2011), Americain (2010) and Efficient (2007) plus nine international entries, one more than at the same stage 12 months ago.
Joining French stars Dunaden (Mikel Delzangles) and Americain (Alain de Royer Dupre) amongst the international acceptors are Shahwardi (Royer Dupre), Brigantin (Andre Fabre), Gatewood (John Gosden), Jakkalberry (Marco Botti) and the Luca Cumani-trained trio of Ibicenco, Quest For Peace and Mount Athos, current favourite for the Melbourne Cup.
French pair Prairie Star and Tac de Boistron, to join the stables of Australian trainers Danny O'Brien and Mick Kent respectively upon their arrival in Victoria, are also first acceptors along with othjer highly rated imports Glencadam Gold, Julienas, Winchester, Voila Ici, Mawingo and Sanagas.
As expected last season's star fillies Atlantic Jewel and Mosheen were not amongst the first acceptors whilst Memsie Stakes winner Sincero and recent New Zealand G1 winner Ocean Park are being reserved for the WS Cox Plate.
Second acceptances for the Caulfield Cup will be taken on September 25.
