Fifty-three horses are still in the hunt for the first $10 million edition of the Melbourne Cup following second declarations.

Leading trainer Chris Waller has trimmed his hand, withdrawing weight-for-age star Via Sistina and ATC Australian Derby winner Aeliana alongside stablemates Kovalica and Militarize.

Nevertheless, Waller still holds a powerful presence with nine runners remaining.

The 53 horses holding their ground for a Melbourne Cup start represents a slight decrease on last year’s numbers when 55 remained in contention at the same stage.

Other withdrawals on Tuesday included  Mister Wolfgang, Asterix, The Map, Mormona, Militarize, Golden Path, Bur Dubai, Flying Bandit, Lastotchka, and Naval College.

Third declarations for the Melbourne Cup close at 10:30am (AEDT) on October 27.

Five international horses were scheduled to touch down in Melbourne on Wednesday night, to complete the overseas arrivals for this year’s spring carnival.

Among them is the US-trained Parchment Party and the Melbourne Cup second favourite Al Riffa.