Racing Victoria (RV) veterinarians have today completed their inspection of the top 35 ranked horses for the $7.3 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) to determine their suitability to accept at tomorrow’s 4.30pm deadline.
Four horses will be re-examined by RV veterinarians tomorrow morning to determine their suitability to accept. They are Prize Money (Saeed Bin Suroor), Red Verdon (Ed Dunlop), Lord Fangando (Archie Alexander) and Nakeeta (Iain Jardine).
Red Verdon, who resumed trackwork today after a bruised heel was detected yesterday, passed a veterinary examination this afternoon, however he will be re-examined as a precaution to ensure that he remains in a suitable condition.
Lord Fandango, who contested Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup, presented with lameness in his right hind leg and as such will require a further examination.
RV veterinarians will consider the results of precautionary x-rays on the front fetlocks of both Prize Money and Nakeeta as part of their re-inspections.
Those Cup entrants that contest tomrorow’s Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington will be re-examined by RV veterinarians following the race to re-confirm their suitability to accept, as will Thinkin’ Big following the AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m).
In additional news, subsequent to the veterinary examinations, trainer Darren Weir advised RV stewards at 5.50pm today that Tosen Basil will not be accepting for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.