Imported galloper The United States gets the chance to secure a Caulfield Cup berth in the MRC Foundation Cup.

The United States is the $3.80 favourite for Saturday's 2000m Group Three race at Caulfield, an event which gives the winner a ballot exemption for next month's $3 million Caulfield Cup.

The United States was first emergency for Saturday's race but has gained a start because of a scratching.

The Robert Hickmott-trained The United States is at $21 in Caulfield Cup betting but is equal 88th in the ballot and has not passed the first elimination clause.

Being lowly weighted on 50kg, races offering ballot exemptions such as Saturday's race are crucial to The United States' chances of making the Caulfield Cup field.

Multiple stakes winner Sertorius is on the second line of betting for the MRC Foundation Cup at $5.50 ahead of last-start Listed winner Magnapal ($6) and the Ciaron Maher-trained Kapour ($7).