Double or nothing. Those are the options for Lee Freedman who could have two runners in the Melbourne Cup, or none.

Champion mare Makybe Diva and former favourite Plastered, who joined the Freedman stable in an overnight switch from Lindsey Smith, were among the 37 entries left in the Cup at Monday's third declaration stage.

But the trainer will not be drawn into confirming a start for Makybe Diva until later this week and Plastered has to prove himself after his recent below-par form.

Makybe Diva is the raging favourite ahead of boom horse Leica Falcon, who is almost but not quite, guaranteed a start.

He is now 23rd in the elimination order for the 24-horse field but with the winner of the Saab on Saturday guaranteed a start and the remote possibility the Derby winner backs up, he may have to depend on the committee's discretion.

Although the pressure is on Freedman to make an announcement on whether the mare runs, he remains firm that her welfare comes first and that she be given time to recover from her breathtaking Cox Plate win.

"Her well-being is the primary thing," Freedman said.

"She went to the beach and waded for an hour this morning and came back and had a swim in our pool.

"We'll just keep observing her. It will take two or three or four days to assess but the outward signs are good.

"Obviously we will make the right decision."

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