Cosmic Crusader is "friendless in betting" but retains favouritism despite drawing an outside barrier for the Group 1 $6.50 million Sportsbet Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Andrea Leek-trained Cosmic Crusader was allocated barrier 17 for the big race although he could move in three positions if the emergencies are withdrawn.

TAB's Tim Ryan said Cosmic Crusader eased from $4.50 out to $5.50 after the barrier draw.

"Cosmic Crusader was the big firmer for the Caulfield Cup last week,'' Ryan said.

"We were sitting around $9 a week ago not knowing whether he was going to head in this direction.

"Of course, he's never been to the mile and a half (a2400m), but as soon as it was confirmed, we started to see some good money.

"He got into $4.50 but then after the barrier draw he is out to $5.50 now and is unlayable.

"The draw has had a big impact on the market, particularly with the favourite Cosmic Crusader who is friendless in betting.''

The Caulfield Cup final field and barrier draw was released today with a capacity field of 18 starters but plus four emergencies. The highlights include:

#There are nine individual Group 1 winners in the field including two Melbourne Cup winners, Half Yours (2025) and Knight's Choice (2024).

#Half Yours is attempting to become the first to win successive Caulfield Cups since the great Rising Fast in 1954-55.

#Trainer Ciaron Maher has five starters in the big race with Middle Earth, Royal Supremacy, Saint George, Zahrann and Kings Valley, plus three emergencies Juja Kibo, Point Of Law and Mr Monaco.

#There are four Australian-bred horses in the field – Half Yours, Treasurethe Moment, Knight's Choice, and Green Spaces.

#England's Enfjaar and Wine Dark Sea, and Ireland's Starford are the overseas-trained Cup runners.

Cosmic Crusader is coming off his powerful Group 1 Turnbull Stakes win, a lead-up race that has proven a reliable Caulfield Cup guide in recent years.

In fact, four of the last six Cup winners came through the Turnbull with Verry Elleegant (2020) and Incentivise (2021) completing the double.

But Ryan said he would not be surprised if soon there was a new Caulfield Cup favourite with surging support for the Maher duo, Zahrann (barrier 4) and Saint George (2).

"There was a bit of a double whammy at the draw after the two early favourites, Cosmic Crusader and Wine Dark Sea ($7 out to $9.50) getting outside gates so something had to fill the gap,'' Ryan said.

"Zahrann is the big mover firming from $9 into $6 and also Saint George is into $8. They are out two worst ways in the betting.''

Photo: Racing Photo