Dual winner of The Everest, Redzel, headlines the 34 sprinters still in contention for the $1 million VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington.
First acceptances were taken on Tuesday for the weight-for-age VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) as well as the Victoria Derby and VRC Oaks, three of the feature races during the Melbourne Cup carnival.
Redzel won the VRC Sprint Classic last year after his victory in the inaugural Everest, and he will be out for a repeat on November 10 after winning his second Everest at Randwick earlier this month.
Eight horses who contested The Everest remain in the VRC Sprint Classic entries while Flemington straight-track specialist Redkirk Warrior is also a first acceptor.
Four Aidan O'Brien-trained sprinters who are all set to run in Friday night's Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley, and the Charlie Appleby-trained Jungle Cat could give the VRC Sprint Classic an international presence.
Caulfield Classic winner Thinkin' Big is the $2.90 Victoria Derby favourite and headlines the 36 three-year-olds still in the running for the $2 million race over 2500m on November 3.
Victoria's premier trainer Darren Weir has six of the 25 fillies among the first acceptors for the VRC Oaks on November 8, including Group One Thousand Guineas winner Amphitrite and Ethereal Stakes winner Verry Elleegant.
Want more racing news? Cups Betting delivers you the latest horse racing news from all the major thoroughbred cups and feature races.