Even though the country's greatest harness race is almost six months away, it looked Lazarus' for the taking until his sale to North America was confirmed on Sunday.
That significantly lowered the chances of a horse bred by an Otago breeder winning the race, but it has opened up more opportunity for horses with Otago or Southland ownership.
Ultimate Machete, Field Marshal, Eamon Maguire, Sheriff, Chase Auckland and Titan Banner have all had their New Zealand Cup stocks rise with the exclusion of the defending champion.
Ultimate Machete looks a big chance to take over early favouritism for the 3200m feature.
The horse will need to return to racing in the spring in good shape following a season-ending leg injury.
A recent update from his owners suggests he is on track to do exactly that.
A fit and healthy Ultimate Machete is arguably the best stayer left standing in New Zealand.
He monstered many of last year's New Zealand Cup field in last year's New Zealand Free-for-all before a solid Australian campaign.
There, he beat up on his own age group before not looking out of his depth when fourth in his first open-class staying test, the Freemantle Cup.
Reigning Otago horse of the year Eamon Maguire looks to have all the necessary attributes to be a legitimate New Zealand Cup chance.
His New Zealand Messenger win and New Zealand Derby placing prove he can finish off staying races.
Co-owner Graeme Anderson confirmed the horse would be aimed at the New Zealand Cup after he competed at the Harness Jewels.
``He will have six weeks off after the Jewels and then be set at the New Zealand Cup. There is no other option for him, really,'' he said.
Anderson is unlikely to have two horses aiming at the New Zealand Cup, but it is possible.
Titan Banner is still in Sydney after fracturing his pedal bone there in January.
The horse will undergo X-rays this week which will confirm his future racing plans.
If passed fit, the horse will campaign full time for Sydney trainer John McCarthy.
That does not rule him out of a New Zealand Cup bid as the McCarthy family is not scared to fly any of their top horses over for the event.
Otago-bred and owned speedster Field Marshal looks at similar odds to make the trip across the Tasman for the New Zealand Cup.
Although the Tim Butt-trained pacer is brilliantly suited to mile racing on his home track at Menangle, a New Zealand Cup tilt has not been ruled out by Mosgiel owners Syd and Shona Brown.
``I would not say no, because you want to keep your options open, but it is probably not a priority at this stage,'' Syd said.
Sheriff looks the 4yr-old most likely to make a New Zealand Cup bid.
The Nigel McGrath trained pacer could potentially give Winton owner Pauline Gillan a massive hand in the race.
She also shares in the ownership of Eamon Maguire and Titan Banner.
Sheriff showed his supreme staying abilities with his record-breaking win in the New Zealand Derby.
Driver Blair Orange previously told the Otago Daily Times the pacer felt like a New Zealand Cup horse in the making.
Otago and Southland owners could be represented in the race by Chase Auckland.
The pacer will have a jump start on next season as he is in the spelling paddock because of a minor hock injury.
What hurts his chances is that the Purdon-Rasmussen stable has shown a willingness to dodge the New Zealand Cup with most of their promising 4yr-olds.
Dream About Me heads the New Zealand Cup prospects from across New Zealand.
The Auckland Cup winner has battled hoof problems this season, but she is a proven stayer at group 1 level.
Last year's Cup week star, Thefixer, and New Zealand Cup runner-up Jack's Legend are also big chances if they return in their best form next season.
Lazarus' absence could spur the owners of Aussie raiders to queue up in big numbers for the race this year.
Last year's third placegetter, Tiger Tara, could be joined by tough stayer Soho Tribeca and the reborn Franco Nelson.
