The changing shape of the Melbourne Cup has led to New Zealand galloper The Chosen One being guaranteed a start on Tuesday.
The withdrawal of Angel Of Truth and Raheen House from the race moved the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained galloper to 23rd on the 3200m feature's order of entry.
The withdrawals also mean former Otago star Patrick Erin is now agonisingly close to gaining a start in the 24-horse Cup field.
The former Brian and Shane Anderton-trained galloper was ranked 25th yesterday.
Patrick Erin will need to win today's Hotham Handicap to book his place in Tuesday's great race, unless more horses ranked ahead of him are withdrawn.
The 8yr-old will vie for the last place in the Melbourne Cup, guaranteed to the Hotham Handicap winner, with fellow New Zealand-trained galloper Sir Charles Road.
The Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott trained stayer was ranked 27th yesterday.
