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South Australian stayer Hasta La War will have to play the waiting game as he tries to secure a fairytale start in the $7.75m Melbourne Cup.

The comeback galloper's low rating means trainer Sue Murphy and connections will have to be patient as they seek a qualifying race that can ultimately lead them to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.

Coming off an impressive return to winning form at Morphettville last weekend, Hasta La War is 35th in order of ballot for the $750,000 Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington on Saturday.

If he fails to gain a start there, they will nominate for the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m at Caulfield on October 7, the Geelong Cup on October 20 and Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup on October 23.

"We've just got to wait and see,'' Murphy said.

"That's all we can do. We've got to nominate for those races.

"If he doesn't (get into a Cup qualifier) there are plenty of other Cups coming up for him,'' she said.

Linda Meech has been booked when the horse heads to Melbourne.