<h2>Deakin Withdrawn From 2025 Melbourne Cup – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Deakin ruled out of Melbourne Cup after failing mandatory pre-race veterinary scans due to fetlock changes.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Final declarations for the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field close Saturday November 1 at 4:30pm AEDT.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Goodie Two Shoes currently sits 24th in order of entry with several horses expected to withdraw.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Cup Veteran Withdrawal Rocks Field</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Phillip Stokes-trained gelding, winner of the Cup-qualifying Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington in March, failed the mandatory pre-race diagnostics that form a crucial component of Melbourne Cup safety protocols.</p> <p>Standing CT scans identified concerning changes in Deakin's fetlocks, with subsequent PET scan results confirming the initial findings.</p> <p>The six-year-old French-bred son of Australia had been building momentum toward the Melbourne Cup following a creditable sixth in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.</p> <p>&nbsp;Despite enduring a luckless run when buffeted by Vauban in the Caulfield Cup, where he finished eighth after looming as a genuine chance at the top of the straight, connections remained optimistic about his Melbourne Cup prospects.</p> <p>Stokes had planned a more conservative early ride for Deakin in the Cup, allowing the stayer to utilise his strong finishing kick in the final stages.</p> <p>The trainer expressed disappointment but gratitude that the horse remained sound for future campaigns, with Deakin now spelled until 2026.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Order of Entry Dynamics Shape Final Field</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With third declarations closing Monday at 10am, the Melbourne Cup order of entry continues evolving as connections finalise their participation.</p> <p>Joseph O'Brien's Goodie Two Shoes currently occupies the crucial 24th position, though several horses ranked higher face potential withdrawal.</p> <p>Recent ballot exemption race winners have strengthened their positions significantly. Torranzino's Geelong Cup victory and Onesmoothoperator's Moonee Valley Gold Cup triumph elevated both horses up the order of entry rankings, securing automatic qualification for the 24-horse field.</p> <p>International representation remains strong with horses from France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan and the United States featuring prominently. Al Riffa leads the weight scale at 59kg, while multiple horses carry the minimum 51kg including several local chances.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Final Countdown to Flemington</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Melbourne Cup field structure allocates 10 positions to ballot exemption race winners, with the remaining 14 determined by handicap weights assigned by Racing Victoria's chief handicapper.</p> <p>These weights can fluctuate based on performances between September and the final declarations deadline.</p> <p>Tim Clark has been confirmed aboard Changingoftheguard, currently 25th in the order of entry, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a Melbourne Cup start.</p> <p>The horse faces an anxious wait as several higher-ranked runners contemplate their participation.</p> <p>Final declarations and the official 24-horse field announcement occurs Saturday November 1 at 4:30pm AEDT, immediately followed by the barrier draw at 5:30pm. The timing creates maximum drama as connections make last-minute decisions about tackling Australia's most prestigious staying test.</p> <p>The 2025 Melbourne Cup represents another chapter in Flemington's storied history, with international raiders joining local champions in pursuit of the race that stops a nation.</p> <p>Tuesday November 4 at 3pm AEDT marks when 24 horses will contest the $8 million prize, carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of racing fans across Australia and beyond.</p>