Caulfield Cup Order of Entry — 2026: who’s through, who’s still hoping

Who holds exemptions and early positions

Five horses were listed as exempt as at 28 September. Those names appear at the top of the published order of entry and are: Birdman (IRE), Enfjaar (IRE), Royal Supremacy (IRE), Zahrann (IRE) and Kings Valley (IRE). Each entry in that exempt group included trainer and assigned weight in the published list.

Status after the first elimination clause

Horses still outside the first elimination cut

Eight horses were recorded as not having passed the first elimination clause as at 28 September. Those entries occupy the later positions in the order of entry and may need further acceptances, late withdrawals by others, or qualifying performances to move into contention.

The site published the total nomination count (57) and the split between exempt, passed and not passed at the first elimination stage. With only 18 starters allowed in the final field, many nominated horses will fail to make the cut unless circumstances change in subsequent acceptance stages or through ballot exemptions.

When nominations exceed available starting slots, the order of entry — combined with handicap weights, elimination clause results and any automatic exemptions — determines which horses secure a place. Trainers and connections monitor each elimination stage closely because small changes can move a horse into or out of the final 18.

The published order of entry gives readers and connections a snapshot: horse name, trainer and assigned weight as recorded on 28 September. It separates exempt horses, those that have passed the first elimination clause and those that have not. That information is the practical starting point for understanding which horses look most likely to secure a run in the Caulfield Cup and which remain on the outside looking in.

Next steps for connections and followers

Further acceptance stages and the official declarations will narrow the field. Owners and trainers who remain outside the 18 will watch for withdrawals, handicap adjustments or late nomination windows. Punters and followers can use the order of entry to track likely starters while awaiting the official final field and barrier draw.