Melbourne Cup 2022: final field, latest betting, Point Nepean and Lunar Flare scratched

The field for the $7.75m Melbourne Cup has been reduced to 22 runners after a scratching on morning of the race.

The 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The field for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup has been reduced to 22 after Lunar Flare joined Point Nepean as a late scratching.

The Grahame Begg-trained horse presented with lameness on Monday and will not race in the $7.75m race.

“RV vets re-inspected Lunar Flare and Interpretation this morning ahead of today’s Lexus Melbourne Cup. Lunar Flare still presented with lameness in the off fore and was not passed fit,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.

FOLLOW MELBOURNE CUP DAY LIVE HERE

“Interpretation had improved upon inspection today and was passed suitable to race.”

With Point Nepean out, seven-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams is down to one horse — Serpentine — in the 2022 race.

“Robert Hickmott stable has advised RV Stewards that Point Nepean has returned elevated blood results and has been withdrawn from tomorrow’s Lexus Melbourne Cup,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Gold Trip will carry the No.1 saddlecloth in the 3200m classic.

Australian Cup winner Duais, to be ridden by champion jockey Hugh Bowman, has the No. 2 saddlecloth, followed by Sydney Cup hero Knights Order, who is coming off a Caulfield Cup third.

Heavily backed favourite and international raider Deauville Legend will carry the No. 8 saddlecloth. Bottomweight for the 162nd edition of the famous race is Realms Of Flowers, who has been well supported with the forecast rain.

LUCKIEST NUMBERS

SADDLECLOTHS: 4, 12, 1 are the three best performing numbers

AGE: 4 year old horses are most successful with 46 wins

GENDER: Stallions are best performers

COLOUR: Bay horses are your best bet if that is how you want to choose

Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2022: final field, latest betting, Point Nepean and Lunar Flare scratched