Excess Knowledge is favoured to force his way into next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup through the Lexus Stakes on Saturday.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained stayer is a $5.50 favourite in TAB fixed odds betting on the Lexus, a race that offers the winner an automatic spot in the cup field provided they are among second acceptances for the race.
Excess Knowledge drew gate nine in the 13 horse Lexus field and Dwayne Dunn takes the ride.
The British-bred stallion has been gunning for a place in the cup field all campaign but has had to settle for second placings at his last two runs in the Herbert Power Stakes and the Harry White Classic.
Excess Knowledge is number 32 on the Melbourne Cup order of entry so a Lexus Stakes win is his last chance to make the top 24.
Stablemate Bohemian Lily is also making an 11th hour bid for a place in the cup through the Lexus.
The mare is number 33 on the cup order of entry and has drawn gate five with Jim Cassidy to ride.
Bohemian Lily has been placed at her last three outings in the Moonee Valley Cup, Herbert Power Stakes and Colin Stephen Quality.
The Waterhouse pair are two of 10 Lexus runners still among the second acceptances for the Melbourne Cup.
They are joined by Thunder Lady (30th on order of entry), Chance To Dance (34th), Havana Cooler (35th), Ruling Dynasty (36th) and the unqualified runners Elhaame, Ethiopia, Zanteca and High Midnight.
TAB fixed odds:
$5.50 Excess Knowledge
$6.50 Ruling Dynasty
$7 Elhaame, Havana Cooler, Bohemian Lily
$10 Zanteca, Chance To Dance
$11 Junoob
$12 Hawkspur
$14 Manalapan
$15 Thunder Lady
$21 High Midnight
$31 Ethiopia