Star apprentice Zac Lloyd will go without a ride in Tuesday’s 2024 Melbourne Cup field after Athabascan was ruled out of the event on Monday afternoon.
Adding to the high attrition rate of this year’s Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the first official scratching post-acceptances with the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Almanzor gelding Athabascan withdrawn.
Racing Victoria vets deemed the six-year-old, who was last seen winning Randwick’s St Leger over 2600m on October 19, had an increased risk of a cardiac episode after he was examined during a final, mandatory veterinary examination on Monday.
All 24 Melbourne Cup final acceptors were inspected by the team of RV vets with Almanzor the sole contender not to be passed fit to run when he was found to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia.
He was rated around $41 in the Melbourne Cup odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au at the time of his removal from the field.
Three independent experts examined the ECG reports and blood test results for the galloper before the decision was finalised.
“They each independently advised that, due to the nature of the cardiac arrhythmia, Athabascan should undergo further extensive testing before being permitted to race again on the grounds of safety,” the official RV report stated.
“Acting on these opinions and having considered additional material provided by the stable, RV veterinarians advised the stewards that in their view the horse should be withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup due to an increased risk of a cardiac episode.
“Accordingly, the stewards acting on veterinary advice, ordered the withdrawal of Athabascan.
“The remaining 23 horses have been passed suitable to race tomorrow.”
There are now 23 Melbourne Cup horses still in contention.
Updated Melbourne Cup betting has Irish raider Vauban returning after an unplaced run as the beaten favourite last year and Chris Waller‘s Caulfield Cup runner-up Buckaroo as the equal $7 top elects.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup runs as Flemington Race 7 at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.
Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds
Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Vauban (10)
J: William Buick 55.5kg
T: Willie Mullins |
||
| Going well. Comes here off a 51-day let-up. Most recently 2nd in a small field at Curragh in the G1 Irish St Leger on September 15 over 2816m, 2.25 len behind Kyprios carrying 62kg at $9. Before that won by a nose at York G2 Lonsdale Cup August 23 over 3319m defeating Al Nayyir carrying 59.5kg at $6.50. Failed in this last year but is going even better and can atone. | ||
|
2. Buckaroo (20)
J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run 2nd of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 1.3 len behind Duke De Sessa with 54.5kg at $3.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; head behind Via Sistina carrying 58kg at $6.50. Racing very well in the right races, if he stays the trip he'll go awfully close. | ||
|
3. Circle Of Fire (23)
J: Mark Zahra 54.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| At the latest run 10th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 13 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 54.5kg at $26. The run before that 9th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Via Sistina with 58kg at $81. Up to two miles suits but would've liked to see more last time. | ||
|
4. Warp Speed (2)
J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg
T: N Takagi |
||
| Second run back. First-up after six months got back early 13th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 16 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 54.5kg at $26. Previously second-up 2nd of 15 at Hanshin in the G2 Hshn Daishoten on March 17 over 3000m, 5 len behind T O Royal carrying 57.0kg at $12.80. Rise in trip and dry ground suits but he needs a big form reversal. | ||
|
5. Kovalica (16)
J: Damian Lane 53.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful gelding. Last start eased back early on 6th of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 26 over 2040m, 11 len behind Via Sistina with 59kg at $26. The race before that 2nd of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Hill Stks on October 12 over 1900m, head behind Attrition with 59kg at $4. Has the ability and gets over a staying trip now which may be key. | ||
|
6. Sharp 'N' Smart (14)
J: Michael Dee 53.5kg
T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run 3rd of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 2.5 len behind Okita Soushi with 59kg at $19. Before that 13th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, slow going 10 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $26. Much better last time, will need to improve again. | ||
|
7. Just Fine (12)
J: Jye McNeil 53kg
T: G Waterhouse & A Bott |
||
| Useful gelding. At the latest run raced on the pace before fading ran last of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 10 len behind Okita Soushi with 58kg at $9. The race before that won by a head at this track G3 Bart Cummings October 5 over 2520m on a soft track defeating Point King with 57kg at $21. Awful last time and hard to back off that. | ||
|
8. Land Legend (17)
J: Zac Purton 53kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful type. Most recently 3rd of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Duke De Sessa with 53kg at $8.50. The start before that won by a nose at Randwick G1 The Metrop October 5 over 2400m defeating Zardozi with 51kg at $7.50. Will relish the big track and 3200m; can win. | ||
|
9. Absurde (6)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 52.5kg
T: Willie Mullins |
||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation by 1.3 len Chester LR Chester Stks August 31 over 2916m defeating Caius Chorister carrying 61kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign second last in a small field at Curragh in the G3 Irish St Lgr Tr August 17 over 2816m, 31 len behind Grosvenor Square with 61kg at $3.80. Ran well here last year in a stronger edition and is going just as well. | ||
|
11. Knight's Choice (5)
J: Robbie Dolan 51.5kg
T: J G Symons & S Laxon |
||
| At the latest run 5th of 15 at Bendigo in the G3 Bdgo Cup on October 30 over 2400m, 5 len behind Sea King with 57kg at $26. The start before that got back early 14th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, on a slow track; 16 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 51.5kg at $201. A bit better last time but will be deservedly long odds here. | ||
|
12. Okita Soushi (9)
J: Jamie Kah 51kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Useful type. Last start came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at Moonee Valley G2 Mv Cup October 25 over 2500m defeating Serpentine with 55kg at $11. The race before that rolled along in front before being edged out 2nd of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 1.3 len behind Herman Hesse with 54.5kg at $41. Has found form at the right time and could give a sight. | ||
|
13. Onesmoothoperator (11)
J: Craig Williams 51kg
T: Brian Ellison |
||
| Most recently won by 2.25 len at Geelong G3 Geel Cup October 23 over 2400m defeating Interpretation with 54kg at $11. The start before that 4th of 7 at Kempton Park All Weather in the G3 September Stks on September 7 over 2414m, 7 len behind Kalpana carrying 60.5kg at $34. Looked very good at local debut and this trip will only suit better. | ||
|
14. Zardozi (3)
J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg
T: James Cummings |
||
| Most recently 5th of 13 at this track in the G1 Empire Rose on November 2 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Atishu carrying 57kg at $19. Before that ran on from midfield; 4th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 8 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 51kg at $6.50. Has a few lengths to find on key rivals but has a nice platform to peak here. | ||
|
15. Sea King (1)
J: Hollie Doyle 50.5kg
T: Harry Eustace |
||
| Second run back. First-up after two months ran on from midfield and won by 4 len at Bendigo G3 Bdgo Cup October 30 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 54.5kg at $5.50. Previously second-up 14th of 19 at Ascot on June 21 over 2414m, 14 len behind Crystal Black carrying 58.5kg at $23. Only needs to hold that form to be winning again. Dominant at local debut and looks a genuine hope if he can go on with it. | ||
|
16. Valiant King (21)
J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Most recently 9th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 13 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 50.5kg at $67. The start before that 10th of 16 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $101. Might appreciate 3200m but isn't going well enough to win. | ||
|
17. Fancy Man (18)
J: Ron Stewart 50kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| Last start 6th of 18 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Cup on October 19 over 2400m, slow going 9 len behind Duke De Sessa carrying 50kg at $61. The run before that came from midfield; 3rd of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Herman Hesse with 55.5kg at $9. Others seem to have his measure. | ||
|
18. Interpretation (13)
J: Teodore Nugent 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Most recently 2nd of 13 at Geelong in the G3 Geel Cup on October 23 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Onesmoothoperator carrying 54kg at $21. Before that 6th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Just Fine carrying 54kg at $61. Has been hitting the line strongly in key lead ups, ready to peak. | ||
|
19. Manzoice (7)
J: Declan Bates 50kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Most recently 7th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Okita Soushi with 55kg at $11. Before that 10th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 4.5 len behind Just Fine carrying 54.5kg at $6.50. Hasn't been competitive of late, will be long odds. | ||
|
20. Mostly Cloudy (15)
J: Karis Teetan 50kg
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
||
| Comes here off a 31-day let-up. Most recently second last of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Just Fine with 54.5kg at $10. Before that 4th of 9 at this track in the G3 Archer Stks on September 14 over 2500m, on a wet track; 2 len behind Point King carrying 55.5kg at $4.50. Handy stayer who will run the trip but lacks the class to win. | ||
|
21. Positivity (19)
J: Winona Costin 50kg
T: Andrew Forsman |
||
| Last start raced behind the speed prior to fading 8th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 5 len behind Okita Soushi with 52.5kg at $6. The start before that settled back and ran on when 7th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 2.5 len behind Just Fine carrying 54.5kg at $14. Poor last time and 3200m is a query. | ||
|
22. Saint George (8)
J: Tyler Schiller 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Useful type. At the latest run eased back early on 5th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 25 over 2500m, 3 len behind Okita Soushi carrying 55kg at $10. The race before that 9th of 13 at this track in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, slow going 4.5 len behind Just Fine with 54kg at $6.50. Showed something last time and this trip should suit; not hopeless. | ||
|
23. The Map (22)
J: Rachel King 50kg
T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray |
||
| Last start 6th of 13 at Geelong in the G3 Geel Cup on October 23 over 2400m, 5 len behind Onesmoothoperator with 54kg at $8.50. Before that 5th of 15 at Caulfield in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 4 len behind Herman Hesse carrying 54.5kg at $12. Should run the trip but lacks the class to feature. | ||
|
24. Trust In You (4)
J: Mark Du Plessis 50kg
T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley |
||
| Going well. Last start 4th of 9 at Randwick in the G3 St Leger on October 19 over 2600m, slow going 2.5 len behind Athabascan carrying 57.5kg at $8.50. The run before that made some head-way from midfield; 4th of 17 at Randwick in the G1 The Metrop on October 5 over 2400m, 3.5 len behind Land Legend carrying 53kg at $67. Looks outclassed. | ||
| 10. Athabascan (2) | ||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit ladbrokes.com.au/racing.
Data retrieved: 05/11/2024 09:44:18 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Data retrieved: 05/11/2024 09:44:18 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
The Melbourne Cup. Plenty of betting angles as usual, with one being whether BUCKAROO (2) will run 3200m strongly. Gelded this campaign, he's been outstanding in defeat at his past two starts, nosed out by Via Sistina in the G1 Turnbull Stakes before charging into second in the G1 Caulfield Cup. That looked a perfect Cup trial, the gamble is whether that translates to two miles. VAUBAN (1) returns to Flemington having started favourite in this race last year and failing. He's coming off a tough second to a superstar in Kyprios and if he handles the occasion, he'll just about win. INTERPRETATION (18) has a sense of timing. He's flown home at his past two and was excellent from a long way back here last year. KOVALICA (5) is very interesting out to a trip, which we haven't seen since his G1 Queensland Derby win. He's got the ability. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (13) and SEA KING (15) were both excellent at their local debuts and come here with genuine chances.