Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux is to be focused entirely on the Flemington feature again this year.

An entry in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, Red Cadeaux was the most notable absentee from the former when first declarations for the race were made on Tuesday.

Trainer Ed Dunlop had been keen to keep his options open for the horse who figured in the tightest finish in Melbourne Cup history when second last year to Dunaden.

But Racing Victoria's international racing manager Leigh Jordon said all the horse's energies would be devoted to the one race again in 2012.

Also out of the Caulfield Cup are Memsie Stakes winner Sincero and the New Zealander Ocean Park who will both focus on the Cox Plate only, and the English stayer Sri Putra whose preparation has been interrupted by a foot abscess.

No surprises were revealed in the Cox Plate declarations made on Wednesday with three international entries remaining at the first forfeit stage.

The 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain heads the foreign contingent along with stablemate Shahwardi and the Luca Cumani-trained Afsare.

The Cox Plate has 68 entries remaining with final acceptances due on October 24.