Melbourne Cup favourite draws barrier nine as jockey faces race against time

Master trainer Ciaron Maher secured an ideal barrier for his Melbourne Cup favourite, Point Of Law, as final fields and barriers were officially announced at Flemington racecourse on Saturday evening.

The lightly raced four-year-old stayer drew gate nine for Tuesday's $10.2 million feature race, giving the stable a strong starting position.

Maher expressed satisfaction with the draw, noting that the horse needed a clean start to manage the first half of the historic race.

Point Of Law heads the betting markets alongside international contenders, leading a large contingent of runners for the local stable.

Other stablemates drawing into the twenty-four horse field include Royal Supremacy, Zahrann, and Mr Monaco.

Uncertainty surrounds the saddle of lightweight contender Shockletz, which carries fifty-one kilograms, as jockey Harry Coffey faces a race against time to prove his fitness.

Coffey was taken to hospital following a heavy fall during the Victoria Derby meeting on Saturday after parting ways with his mount.

Maher said team members will give the injured rider every opportunity to recover before a final decision is made on his availability for the 3200-metre test.

Medical assessments will continue to determine whether the thirty-one-year-old jockey can safely take his rides on Tuesday.

Race organizers are also monitoring local weather forecasts closely as cold fronts and potential storms approach Flemington.

Track managers will release official penetrometer readings and surface updates ahead of the public holiday fixture.

Victoria Racing Club officials confirmed that gates open early on Tuesday morning for racegoers attending the historic meeting, with public transport networks operating on enhanced timetables.