Connections of Araldo will be playing the waiting game as the stayer sits on the cusp of a Melbourne Cup start.

Araldo is 24th on the latest Melbourne Cup Order Of Entry however with the removal of The Offer on Tuesday, now sits 23rd.

The Mike Moroney-trained entire at this stage is in the final field however could be shuffled down the ballot order depending on how results fall at Flemington on Saturday.

Moroney is prepared to take the risk of falling out of the final field however opposed to potentially securing a start in the 3200m staying feature through Saturday’s Lexus Stakes.

“We’ve decided we want him at his best for the Melbourne Cup,” Moroney said.

“He would be at his best if he didn’t run in the Lexus. When he races, he is not the best of eaters afterwards for a few days. I felt in my mind if he had a tough run in the Lexus he wouldn’t be at his best in the Melbourne Cup.

“What could put us out of the race is the thing of Lloyd’s (Amralah) if he runs first, second or third in the Mackinnon.

“11 of the 13 in the Lexus are behind us.

“We’ll take the risk, there is a bit of time to go. Hopefully we are right.”

Araldo has performed well in five runs over 2000m and beyond since arriving in Australia.

His past two outings at Group 1 level over 2400m have been particularly encouraging having placed in The Metropolitan before closing well for a Caulfield Cup fifth.

“He has had a nice progression,” Moroney told Sky Sports Radio.

“He is a really clean winded horse. He is a natural stayer.

“He ticks all the boxes. He won over 2800m as a four-year-old. When we got him, he was still a pretty weak looking horse.

“He has really strengthened now.”

Araldo is quoted at $21 for the Melbourne Cup with TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds.

He could be part of up to a six strong Melbourne Cup team for OTI Racing.

Gatewood, Brambles, Au Revoir and Lidari are all confirmed of a start in the 3200m staying feature.

They could be joined by Araldo and or Lord Van Percy if he wins the Lexus Stakes on Saturday.