ATC Australian Derby winner Aeliana is a high-profile omission from the third declarations for the $5 million Caulfield Cup.
When Tuesday’s deadline passed for the next stage of acceptances, 29 horses were left in the running for the 2400m handicap at Caulfield on October 18.
Other notable Caulfield Cup defectors include Sydney Cup winner Arapaho and the Ciaron Maher-trained stablemates Gilded Water, Light Infantry Man and Sayedaty Sadaty.
Four northern hemisphere-trained stayers - Absurde, Golden Snap, Meydaan and Presage Nocturne - have stood their ground for the first leg of Australia’s spring Cups double.
Of the international quartet, Meydaan is the most fancied as an $8 chance on the third line betting behind Half Yours ($3) and Buckaroo ($7).
