Racing Victoria stewards keeping close watch on Melbourne Cup contenders

RACING Victoria stewards launch a veterinary and security sweep of the remaining 35 Melbourne Cup contenders.

RACING Victoria stewards have launched a wideranging veterinary and security sweep of the remaining 35 Emirates Melbourne Cup contenders ahead of Tuesday's big race.

RVL vets and integrity services personnel have been deployed to a string of stable inspections to ensure everything is in order ahead of the Cup,

Chief steward Terry Bailey said staff would examine treatment books for all Cup aspirants as well as subjecting all runners to veterinary checks.

"We'll examine all the treatment books for all runners and all the horses engaged will be trotted up by vets," Bailey said.

PicGai Waterhouse and Damian Oliver with Melbourne Cup Favorite, Fiorente at Gai's Flemington Stables.

"We take these measures to ensure that by five o'clock we have a clear idea about the fitness of the entire field.

"There are currently no issues with any of the runners. So far, so good,"

RVL's move came as Verema, Dandino and Royal Empire completed their last piece of fast work ahead of Tuesday's Cup.

International contenders continue to dominate Cup discussions with a groundswell of support for Mount Athos, Voleuse De Coeurs, Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, Verema and Dandino.

Gai Waterhouse-trained Fiorente remains favourite for the $6milllon race.

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