Leading fancies still in Cup Most of the leading fancies for the Tooheys New Melbourne Cup on November 6th have stood their ground at the first forfeit stage for the Flemington contest.Dermot Weld has left in St Leger possible Vinnie Roe.The entries also include Royal Rebel and Persian Punch, who were first and second in the Ascot Gold Cup, and a strong delegation from Godolphin, headed by Yorkshire Cup winner Marienbard, who could head for the Jefferson Smurfit Irish St Leger on Saturday.Persian Punch, from the David Elsworth stable, later beat Royal Rebel, trained by Mark Johnston, in the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Stakes at York.Johnston also has Akbar in the race but has taken out Double Honour, who is a possible runner in the GNER Doncaster Cup on Thursday.The Godolphin entry also features Mutafaweq, Kutub, Give The Slip, Nooshman and Hatha Anna.John Dunlop has San Sebastian, while Sir Michael Stoute is represented by Cover Up.Also still in the list is well-backed Australian runner Universal Prince.Last year`s winner Brew has been retired from racing because of leg injuries.Elsworth does not now run First Ballot, while John Jenkins has taken out Moon Emperor.
