Racing Victoria (RV) veterinarians have today inspected 31 of the top 35 horses in the Order of Entry for the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) to determine their suitability to accept at Saturday’s 4.30pm deadline.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent-trained Oceanex and the Michael Moroney-trained Chapada both presented with lameness in the right front and will be re-examined tomorrow.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Warning presented with lameness in the left front with the stable reporting a foot issue. The gelding will also be re-examined tomorrow.
The Hawkes stable informed the Stewards this morning that Zebrowski won’t accept for the Melbourne Cup and as such has been withdrawn.
The four horses yet to be inspected, Steel Prince, Nickajack Cave, Platinum Invader and Skyward, will be examined by RV veterinarians tomorrow.
All other horses have been passed by RV veterinarians and are suitable to accept.
The Melbourne Cup entrants that contest Saturday’s Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m) at Flemington will be re-examined by RV veterinarians following the race to re-confirm their suitability to accept.
A further update will be provided tomorrow once all inspections and re-inspections have been completed.