Overview
- Racing Victoria stood down Japanese raider Stinger Glass after CT and PET scans and an independent imaging review panel advised veterinarians the horse was at heightened risk of injury.
- On Saturday, Joseph O'Brien's leading contender Defiantly failed a follow-up veterinary re-examination and was withdrawn by stewards acting on veterinary advice, promoting stablemate Kizlyar into the 24-horse field.
- Ciaron Maher-trained Saint George was earlier removed after failing pre-race scans that indicated an injury risk, and a small number of other horses were re-inspected and cleared to accept.
- Gregory Hickman's Future History moved into the final 24, giving reigning jockey Jamie Melham a Cup ride, and the late changes have altered jockey assignments and trainer chances across the field.
- The scans, carried out at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee and reviewed by an independent panel, are part of tighter safety protocols and have prompted punters to question all-in betting fairness ahead of the field finalisation and barrier draw.