KEY POINTS:
Levin trainer Peter McKenzie made the long trek to Auckland yesterday knowing his horse Sculptor probably needs to win on Saturday to gain a Melbourne Cup start.
McKenzie made the A$2200 ($2660) third declaration Cup payment with 38 others today, including fellow New Zealand raiders Princess Coup, Mandela and Railings.
There were no notable withdrawals, meaning Saturday's Saab Quality (2500m) at Flemington will again be significant for the fringe candidates to gain a start in next week's big race.
Sculptor was 28th on the Cup order of entry today, so McKenzie either needs four more runners ranked above him to withdraw or to win the Saab to gain automatic entry to the 24-horse field.
Sculptor arrived in Auckland this afternoon and is booked to cross the Tasman on Wednesday morning, rated a $250 chance by bookmakers.
"It's not likely he'll go much higher in the order of entry so we have to run," said McKenzie, who was told Sculptor would carry 54kg on Saturday. He has 50.5kg in the Cup. Lisa Cropp will ride Sculptor, returning to Melbourne for the first time since her much-discussed effort in last year's Cox Plate.
Melbourne racing followers have long memories and Cropp's luckless ride on Miss Finland a year ago was still being mentioned in media reports leading up to this year's race.
"I was told she'll probably get some flak over that, but I didn't see the race so I'm not sure what the fuss is about," McKenzie said. "It was a very easy decision for me. Lisa's ridden the horse his last two starts and she gets on well with him. She's a very good rider and proven internationally."
Cropp piloted Sculptor to victory over stablemate Empyreal, carrying 58kg in a 2000m open handicap at Wanganui on October 20.
- NZPA
