No shocks in final Cup field

There were no surprises when the Melbourne Racing Club announced the field for this year's BMW Caulfield Cup on Tuesday afternoon.

The MRC was spared the controversy of having to use its discretionary powers to pick the field for this year's event after trainer Pat Hyland decided to bypass the race with his mare Zarita.

The decision allowed the Godolphin-trained stayer All The Good, Bart Cummings' stayer Viewed and Queenslander Ice Chariot starts in Saturday's race.

Had Zarita run in the Cup instead of being saved for the Cox Plate a week later at Moonee Valley, the MRC committee would have been forced to decide which of the trio to omit for the club's richest race.

It was likely to have left out Ice Chariot, whose owners include committee member Kevin O'Brien.

Connections of 25 horses paid the $20,625 final declaration fee on Tuesday morning.

The four emergencies are Barbaricus, Newport, Red Lord and Moatize, while the Cup dream is over for those involved with Baughurst, Get Up Jude and The Wolverine.

In accordance with rules in Victoria which stipulate the top weight in Group One handicaps must carry no less than 57kg, weights for the race have been raised 1.5kg following the absence of Pompeii Ruler.

The barrier draw will be conducted Wednesday at 11am (AEDT).