Ciaron Maher's record-breaking hand of seven runners in the Melbourne Cup field has been a decade in the making, the master trainer says.
Maher will surpass Robert Hickmott's previous mark of six runners, set in 2013, when favourite Point Of Law leads his powerful assault on Australia's greatest race at Flemington on Tuesday.
"I'm very proud of the team and it hasn't just happened," Maher said.
"It's a result of the last 10 years and, without getting too carried away, I'm thrilled.
"You're rapt to have one runner in the race, let alone seven."
Point Of Law ($6), Shockletz ($10), Juja Jibo ($11) and Middle Earth ($13) are all among the leading contenders for Maher, who will also saddle Zahrann ($26), Mr Monaco ($23) and Royal Supremacy ($51).
Shockletz is facing the prospect of a late jockey change after Harry Coffey's Victoria Derby fall on Pondalowie.
Coffey was taken to hospital on Saturday after suffering a suspected broken collarbone, with Maher noting Shockletz owner Laurence Eales will make a call on a replacement if needed.
Multiple media outlets reported Coffey underwent a procedure on Sunday.
Maher said three-time Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy had been floated as a potential replacement if Coffey is ruled out, with the pool limited by Shockletz carrying the minimum 51kg.
Despite boasting almost one-third of the field, Maher, whose only previous Cup triumph was with Gold Trip in 2022, knows nothing is guaranteed.
"What's better than winning one? Winning another," he said.
"It's one of the biggest races on the planet and I'm a horse trainer, so you would love to win, and we've got a really good hand leading in.
"If I could have 24 in the field, I would."
Point Of Law landed barrier nine at Saturday night's draw for jockey Ethan Brown, which Maher said was "ideal" before warning against putting too much emphasis on gates.
"They're overdone a lot of the time and the statistics would probably say that they don't actually mean a whole lot," Maher said.
"Getting your horse in that nice rhythm and breathing, relaxed, and you hope that you're in that sweet spot in the race ... that is way more than the actual barrier draw."
Middle Earth will jump from the inside barrier for Mark Zahra, who bounced back from his scary Caulfield Cup fall to claim the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes aboard another Maher-trainer horse, The Next Episode, on Saturday.
Middle Earth placed third in the Cup last year and will be guided by the experience of two-time winner Zahra, who went back-to-back with Gold Trip and Without A Fight in 2022-23.
"Barrier one is fine. I'd rather there than 20-something," Maher said.
"Zahra's a great jockey, he's a good mate, and I'd rather him on than anybody else.
"He'd just be happy that he's healthy and able to actually ride a horse after that fall, let alone win it."
Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien also has a strong hand with five runners as he chases his third Cup triumph, led by second-favourite Trustyourinstinct ($8).
Four of O'Brien's runners will be in familiar company when they jump from the widest seven barriers.
Trustyourinstinct (barrier 18), last year's runner-up Goodie Two Shoes (19), Kizlyar (20) and James J Braddock (24) are all out wide, while Sons And Lovers (three) fared better.
Another huge crowd is expected at Flemington on Tuesday after 88,146 punters braved wet and wild conditions at racing's headquarters on Victoria Derby day.
