Overview
- Coffey was dislodged from Pondalowie in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes on Saturday after the horse clipped the heels of Cilacap, and he returned to the mounting yard cradling his shoulder.
- Scans at Epworth Hospital identified a fractured collarbone and Coffey underwent a surgical procedure on Sunday to stabilise the injury.
- Racing Victoria medical assessments reported on Monday that Coffey has been declared fit to ride after review by his surgeon and the chief medical officer.
- Trainer Ciaron Maher and Shockletz’s owners have left the ride undecided and named Michael Dee as standby so they can judge Coffey’s comfort and performance before the Cup.
- Shockletz remains a leading lightweight chance in the Melbourne Cup, carrying 51kg from a win in The Archer and drawn in barrier 17, and Coffey’s presence on the mare carries added weight because he rode for Maher to a Caulfield Cup win in 2024.