After doubts arose yesterday afternoon following a veterinary examination on Dermot Weld’s classy mare Profound Beauty, the 2008 Melbourne Cup fifth placegetter has since been cleared to run in next Tuesday’s 2010 Melbourne Cup.
A small injury cloud marred the lead-up to the $6 million Melbourne Cup for Weld after Profound Beauty had been found to be slightly lame yesterday.
After a strong work out at Werribee today, however, Racing Victoria Limited vets declared the fully qualified seven-year-old fit and ready to tackle the 150th Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday, November 2.
Weld is now all set to attempt his third Melbourne Cup victory after the frustrating delay, Profound Beauty ninth on the ballot order and assured of a spot in the 24-horse field.
“We’re delighted, although a little frustrated at what happened,” Dermot’s son Mark Weld said.
Premier online bookmaker Luxbet have Profound Beauty as a $19 chance for the Melbourne Cup, but the known wet-tracker and last-start runner-up in the Irish St Leger is sure to shorten with more rain predicted for Flemington.
Luca Cumani’s gallant eight-year-old grey Bauer, however, is still yet to be cleared.
RVL vets and chief steward Terry Bailey will further inspect the 2008 Melbourne Cup second placegetter this afternoon, with a hoof injury the issue.
Final declarations for the Melbourne Cup will be taken at 5pm tomorrow, followed by the release of the field and the highly anticipated barrier draw for the Melbourne Cup 2010 live from Flemington Racecourse.
Now is the time to get in on the ante-post Melbourne Cup betting markets for the best value at Luxbet!
