Winning a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the pinnacle for many in racing, and connections of 132 horses are hoping their dream turns into reality at Flemington on November 7.

New Zealand-bred horses have a strong history in the race and 18 are among the 132 nominations for the race that stops two nations.

Multiple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) is among the entries and the Team Rogerson-trained gelding will kick off his preparation toward the two-mile feature in the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir), Ess Vee Are (NZ) (Shocking), Full Of Sincerity (NZ) (Puccini), Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed), and Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) are among the other New Zealand-trained nominations.

15 international horses have entered the fray, with representatives from Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, William Haggas, Dermot Weld, Willie Mullins among the nominations.

VRC EGM – Racing Leigh Jordon said he was extremely pleased with the nominations for this year’s race.

“This year we celebrate 30 years since Vintage Crop began the wave of international horses competing in the Lexus Melbourne Cup and it is promising to see the quality of overseas contenders nominated,” Jordon said.

“This is complemented by a quality list of locally trained stayers, testament to the enduring allure of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

“The VRC look forward to welcoming thoroughbreds and their connections from across the globe for what is shaping up to be an exceptional race and Melbourne Cup Carnival.”