If a runner win SAAB this weekend but not in the list of 37 in the acceptance list, can he/she still qualify to run in Melbourne Cup?. Horses like Natural Blitz, Uprize....I believe Natural Blitz has a chance in it. Good run in the CC...

Nope.

I might be wrong here sportz but I thought that the winner of the race automatically qualified regardless of what else has happened.

No, they have to be one of the 37 horses which were still left in the race after 3rd acceptances which were taken on Monday.

The following five horses have to win the SAAB to get in the Cup:
CONFECTIONER
MR CELEBRITY
STRASBOURG
COMMAND 'N CONQUER
LESTER THUNDERWING

The other 32 are fully qualified and in the following order:
1 MAKYBE DIVA
2 VINNIE ROE
3 GREYS INN
4 DISTINCTION
5 RAILINGS
6 PLASTERED
7 HOLLOW BULLET
8 XCELLENT
9 DIZELLE
10 FRANKLINS GARDENS
11 EYE POPPER
12 PORTLAND SINGA
13 VOUVRAY
14 DEMERGER
15 IRISH DARLING
16 SIR DEX
17 LACHLAN RIVER
18 BAZELLE
19 CARTE DIAMOND
20 KINDJHAL
21 HUGS DANCER
22 SWIFT TANGO
23 LEICA FALCON
24 UMBULA
25 ON A JEUNE
26 DON RAPHAEL
27 RIZON
28 ENVOY
29 ZACIELO
30 KAMSKY
31 SARRERA
32 SPECIAL SCENE

Sportz is correct, the winner of the Saab is only exempted into the Melbourne Cup if it is already paid-up.

The only winner of a race on Saturday that is not already nominated for the Melbourne Cup is the winner of the VRC Derby, which can run in the Cup if a late nomination fee is paid. If that's the case then the horse would carry at least WFA.

Fair enough glad to be wrong in this case although I certainly wouyldn't be in a hurry to back anything out of this race besides Brew a few years ago (I think) this has been more of a graveyard for horses than a strong form race.

I thought Confectioner only needed to place and he'd qualify?

Raw you're right about this being a bad form race for the Cup (except for Brew) however this Saab is of a much higher quality than most years. Don't let the reputation of it steer you clear, this one is a good field.

However, I WISH they'd gone to the Mackinnon with Confectioner. Just would've won.

You are correct inasmuch as if Confectioner runs a place then he will then pass the balloting clause and move up in the order of entry to 20th or 21st so he would get a run.

Anthony Cummings is reported in today's press as stating that if his horse wins the Derby they will consider paying the late entry fee. If this was to occur then all runners, other than for those exempted, that are below WFA would drop down one in the order of merit which could, if Confectioner runs a place in the Saab, push Lieca Falcon outside of the top 24.

Yeah, you're right about Confectioner. Sorry.

Leica Falcon's in no danger. There are several above him that won't be running, Plastered and Cartes Diamond for starters.

Is there anyone who can beat Mr Celebrity in the Saab