A complicated puzzle will be completed tomorrow afternoon when the final 24 runners are confirmed for the race that stops two nations on Tuesday.
The Chosen One goes into tomorrow's 2500m race holding the 24th and final position on the Melbourne Cup's order of entry.
But the Southern-bred 4yr-old must start in the Hotham Handicap to hold that spot, as the winner of the race is guaranteed a Melbourne Cup start, and he risks being pushed further down the order of entry if the race is won by a horse lower down the order.
Horses attempting to leap-frog The Chosen One include New Zealand-trained hopeful Sir Charles Road and former Otago star Patrick Erin.
The Chosen One moved up to 24th position after Racing Victoria stewards ordered the scratching of last year's runner-up Marmelo and fellow international raider Ispolini on veterinary advice on Wednesday.
Those decisions have caused a stir in Melbourne, with Marmelo's trainer, Hughie Morrison, slamming the call to withdraw his horse.
The situation is further complicated by Hotham Handicap acceptors Sound, Neufbosc and Youngstar now not needing to run tomorrow after being assured a Melbourne Cup start.
Trainer Murray Baker's focus is on The Chosen One's preparation for tomorrow's race.
The trainer reported his 4yr-old had progressed well since his sound ninth in the Caulfield Cup from his horror 18 barrier draw.
"We're happy enough with him," Baker told Australian media.
"He didn't get a lot of luck in the Caulfield Cup - he drew the outside and ran on all right. He was only four lengths from the winner."
Sir Charles Road comes into tomorrow's race after finishing third-equal with Youngstar behind Hotham Handicap co-favourite Hush Writer in the St Ledger at Randwick.
Hush Writer has been rated at $4.60 alongside Downdraft, who finished third in the Moonee Valley Cup for last year's Melbourne Cup winning trainer Joseph O'Brien.
The Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Sir Charles Road has beaten Patrick Erin home in his past two starts.
Patrick Erin has been luckless before hitting the line powerfully in his last two starts.
The Gallant Guru galloper charged home from last to take sixth in the defence of his Metropolitan title at Randwick two starts ago.
Patrick Erin again hit the line strongly after being buried in a hopeless position in Hush Writer's St Ledger.
Sir Charles Road ($12) has been rated slightly ahead of Patrick Erin ($13) with Australian bookies for tomorrow's race.
There are no doubts about New Zealand galloper Long Jack taking his place in tomorrow's Victoria Derby for the Baker stable; the 3yr-old goes into the race after a comprehensive win in the Geelong Classic.
Long Jack's hopes for tomorrow's 2500m classic took a hit when Baker's run of bad draws in Melbourne continued.
It will be up to leading Victorian jockey Craig Williams to plot a path for Long Jack from his barrier 16 draw.
"He rode him the other day in a bit of work. I think he was happy enough," Baker said.
"... I think he's on the improve but ... he's going to have to be to measure up; there are some pretty good colts in that race."
