A quality field of stayers will vie for a guaranteed start in the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup via The Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington this Saturday. Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace are represented by three runners including Persan (Pierro), fourth in last year's Lexus Melbourne Cup, VRC St Leger winner Through Irish Eyes (Tavistock) and progressive stayer Grand Promenade (Champs Elysees). Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O'Brien brings 2019 Kennedy Oaks winner Miami Bound (Reliable Man) to the race while Chris Waller is represented by Mohican Heights (Australia).This year is the third year that the $400,000 race offers a guaranteed place in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, with previous winners of The Andrew Ramsden in Steel Prince (2019) – he scored by a proverbial whisker – and Oceanex (2020) performing commendably in Australia's greatest race. VRC CEO Steve Rosich said, "The Andrew Ramsden begins the road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup for a group of lucky connections, and allows racing fans the chance to follow the journey of the winning horse all the way to the first Tuesday in November." He added, "For connections, knowing you are assured of a start in the race that stops a nation also affords time to plan the ideal pathway to the world's richest handicap."