The maiden video last year ruffled a few feathers and led to the pre-race scratching of Sophie Mirabella on legal advice.

But events on the Gold Coast which led to Ms Ley quitting her role as health minister, including allegations of excessive travel to the tourist hot-spot, and Mrs Court’s stance on same-sex marriage which attracted international media attention has made the list of early nominations.

Ms Ley appears in the video dressed in a yellow bikini riding “Meter Maid” and Mrs Court is aboard “My Favourite Filly” complete with LGBT-coloured saddle-cloth.

The video, created by Dutch Media and cartoonist Andrew Fyfe, also features recently retired High Street businessman Peter White and radio announcer Andy Walker among the new faces.

Holding their spots from last year are Indi MP Cathy McGowan, reigning Morris medallist Matt Seiter and the Albury Tigers party bus.

Another scratching is Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie and member for Benambra Bill Tilley also hasn’t made the cut at this stage.

Racing Wodonga general manager Tom O’Connor said the final field was far from settled with the public being called to provide nominations.

“It’s out there for the public to comment and we want people to get involved this time around by putting forward nominations,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Last year it was a mixed reaction to a light-hearted approach to looking back on the year and all things on the border that happened in public life.

“It’s not to be taken too seriously.”

Ms Ley said she took no offence at being included in the Gold Cup Stakes.

“I am happy to be part of promoting a good, local sporting event,” she said.

Mr O’Connor expects the final field to be in place by early September ahead of the award-winning, public holiday Gold Cup meeting on November 24.

The Wodonga Gold Cup Stakes video has already had more than 3000 views since being posted on Facebook on Thursday.