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

His sixth placing behind Protectionist last year was his best finish.

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 contest the race for a fifth time having first appeared in 2011.

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 the United Kingdom 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.

Lee Freedman, who returned to training late last year following a sabbatical, has two nominations with training partner, brother Anthony.

Freedman is second to Bart Cummings with five Cup wins including two with Makybe Diva.

La Amistad, a three-quarter sister to Makybe Diva, is the sole nomination of Hawkes Racing while Let's Make Adeal, a granddaughter 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.

Lindsay Park co-trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig have nine while Darren Weir has eight.

Owner Lloyd Williams, who is chasing a fifth Melbourne Cup, the latest coming with Green Moon in 2012, also has eight nominations through trainer Robert Hickmott.

The $6.2 million race is run on November 3 with weights to be released on September 15.