<h2>Kiwi Stayers Mark Twain and Trav Fight for Melbourne Cup Spots – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Kiwi stayers Mark Twain and Trav remain in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/futures/horse/melbourne-cup-9582177">Melbourne Cup</a> calculations after Monday's third declaration stage.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Mark Twain contests Wednesday's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/horse-racing/australia-nz/bendigo/race-7-9778012">Bendigo Cup</a> as final lead-up, sitting 25th on the order of entry</p> <p>- &nbsp; Trav needs attrition from rivals at 29th position following disappointing Moonee Valley Gold Cup performance</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Mark Twain Eyes Bendigo Cup Boost</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Mark Twain heads to Wednesday's $500,000 Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) as his final Melbourne Cup preparation.</p> <p>Currently positioned 25th on the order of entry, the six-year-old gelding needs a strong performance to solidify his claims for racing's richest handicap.</p> <p>"On his wellbeing and his work, I'd be extremely disappointed if he didn't run a bold race," James told Trackside. The trainer is seeking either victory or an unlucky placing that demonstrates Mark Twain's readiness for the Flemington test.</p> <p>The Shocking gelding earned his Melbourne Cup credentials last spring when capturing the Listed Roy Higgins Stakes (2600m) at Flemington in spectacular fashion.</p> <p>Despite settling three lengths last after running off at the first turn, Mark Twain produced a phenomenal finishing burst to claim victory and secure automatic entry. However, a cruel tendon injury ended his Cup aspirations just days before the race.</p> <p>James remains optimistic about his charge's chances despite recent form concerns. "It's no use just making up the numbers but it's a great race if you go into it in form," he explained. "Unfortunately, his form on race day is not backing up how well I feel he is."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Trav Faces Uphill Battle</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Bulls’ trainer Raymond Connors faces a more challenging path with Trav, who sits 29th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry following a disappointing ninth-place finish in Friday's Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).</p> <p>The Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner was expected to mount a stronger challenge but couldn't match the pace of winner Onesmoothoperator. "He had to make a big run, but he wasn't quite up to it," Connors reflected post-race.</p> <p>Despite the setback, Connors believes Trav's Melbourne Cup credentials remain valid. "Flemington is a different track and the distance suits," he noted, highlighting the staying test that favours genuine stayers over the straight Flemington track.</p> <p>Should Trav fail to secure a Melbourne Cup berth, the $250,000 Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) presents an attractive consolation prize for the New Zealand visitor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Spring Carnival Challenges</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both connections face the unique pressures of competing against Australia's racing powerhouses during the spring carnival. James acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing smaller operations.</p> <p>"A lot of people back home in New Zealand wouldn't realise what we take on when we bring one horse across," he said.</p> <p>"Taking on the might and power of some of these big stables is a huge task. Melbourne racing in the spring, I've always said, is the toughest in Australasia."</p> <p>With eight days remaining until the Melbourne Cup field is finalised, both Mark Twain and Trav need significant improvement to secure their positions in the 24-horse field.</p> <p>The Bendigo Cup represents Mark Twain's final opportunity to demonstrate Melbourne Cup worthiness, while Trav's connections hope for natural attrition from higher-ranked contenders.</p>