Racing Victoria (RV) veterinarians today began the first of two pre-race physical veterinary inspections of the 29 horses that remain in contention for a start in the $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington next Tuesday, 5 November.
This examination forms part of the veterinary protocols to determine each horse’s suitability to accept at Saturday’s (2 November) 4.30pm (AEDT) deadline.
The following 16 horses were inspected today and passed suitable on their first pre-race physical examination: Buckaroo, Circle of Fire, Fancy Man, Francesco Guardi, Just Fine, Kovalica, Land Legend, Maharajaan, Manzoice, Mostly Cloudy, Okita Soushi, Positivity, Saint George, Sharp ‘n’ Smart, Valiant King and Zardozi.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Interpretation was inspected today and not passed suitable owing to a change in the horse’s gait. It will be re-examined by RV veterinarians tomorrow (Friday, 1 November).
The following 12 horses will undergo their first pre-race physical examination tomorrow: Absurde, Athabascan, Kinesiology, Knight’s Choice, Mission of Love, Onesmoothoperator, Sea King, The Map, Trust In You, Vauban, Waltham and Warp Speed.
A further update will be provided tomorrow once the remaining inspections and the reinspection of Interpretation have been completed.
A second pre-race veterinary inspection of all horses in the final field will be conducted by a panel of RV veterinarians on Monday, 4 November.