Caulfield Cup contenders down to 57 after first acceptances

Fifty-seven horses remain in the running for the $5 million Caulfield Cup after first acceptances for the October 17 feature.

Defending champion Half Yours is the sole representative for Tony and Calvin McEvoy, while Ciaron Maher has a team of 14.

Zahrann and Saint George head Maher’s contingent after finishing first and second in Saturday’s Group 3 Naturalism Stakes and now sit at the head of Caulfield Cup betting.

Grahame Begg has leading mare She’s A Hustler among the entries, but Zakouma is absent and will instead tackle the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes on his way towards the Melbourne Cup.

The Euphrates is one of four entries for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott after winning Saturday’s Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes, while Chris Waller has 12 horses remaining, including Aeliana, Birdman and Buckaroo.

Second acceptances close at midday on October 6.