Racing: Precedence entered

Sydney horseman James Cummings has honoured his late grandfather's association with the Melbourne Cup with five nominations in the race.

Bart Cummings, who trained in partnership with his grandson, died on Sunday having trained a record 12 Melbourne Cup winners.

Now a 10-year-old, Precedence, the last Cup runner for Bart Cummings, is among nominations and if he makes the field it will be the fifth time he has contested the race.

A total of 140 horses have been nominated, eight fewer than last year, with international representation the same at 31.

Three time runner-up Red Cadeaux has been entered to also contest the race for a fifth time.

Red Cadeaux is one of three entries for trainer Ed Dunlop that include Ascot Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris.

There are 17 horses from Britain in the mix, five of those for Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Dual Melbourne Cup winner Dermot Weld has two entries with fellow Irish trainers Aidan O'Brien and Willie Mullins having four apiece.

Japan, chasing their first win since providing a one-two finish in 2006, have Hokko Brave and Fame Game entered with Craig Williams and Zac Purton respectively already booked for those mounts.

Germany won the race last year with the Andreas Wohler-trained Protectionist and has Guardini nominated this year for Paul Harley.

Protectionist, now trained by Kris Lees, is being prepared to defend his title with last year's third placed Who Shot Thebarman also entered.

La Amistad, a three-quarter sister to Makybe Diva, is the sole nomination of Hawkes Racing while Let's Make Adeal, a grand-daughter of 1991 winner Let's Elope, is also there.

Sydney's leading trainer Chris Waller has the largest number entered with 10, while Gai Waterhouse, who won in 2013 with Fiorente, has eight.

- AAP