Trainers David Hayes and Matthew Ellerton will have a close eye on the scratchings ahead of this Saturday's G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Both prepare leading hopes who were listed as emergencies after final acceptances were taken on Wednesday for the first Group One event of the season.
Hayes' Red Element, a $6.50 chance (TAB Sportsbet), is the first of four emergencies, while the Ellerton-trained Sunburnt Land ($13) is third in line to break into the 14-horse field.
The race was dealt a blow on Wednesday morning when Perth galloper Marasco was not a final acceptance after suffering an injury on his way to Melbourne.
Heading the market for the $353,000 weight-for-age event are in-form Melbourne sprinter Kaphero and the mare Absolut Glam, who are rated $4 chances.
Kaphero, unbeaten at his past five starts and three at Moonee Valley, has drawn gate eight, while Danny O'Brien's smart mare Absolut Glam has gate two but could move in another stall should Red Element not get a run.
The bad luck continued for trainer Mick Price, whose stable star Light Fantastic flopped last Saturday, when last-start winner Bel Mer drew the extreme outside in gate 18.
Should Red Element not get a start, Hayes' hopes will rest with three-year-old All American, who will jump from barrier nine with leading Victorian hoop Craig Williams aboard.
Galaxy Stakes winner Typhoon Zed, a $7.50 chance, drew awkwardly with barrier 13 but will come in two should the four emergencies be withdrawn.
Of the other favoured runners, likely leader Here De Angels landed the No.10 marble, Stradbroke winner Mr Baritone has gate five and Monet Rules, a stablemate to Kaphero, barrier 11.