Melbourne Cup bombshell as ANOTHER leading contender faces being scratched after failing vet check

The Melbourne Cup has been thrown into chaos with leading English raider Onesmoothoperator under doubt for the race that stops a nation.

The Geelong Cup winner with superstar jockey Craig Williams on board was considered one of the top chances of winning the cup, on the third line of betting.

Onesmoothoperator will now face a final vet examination on Saturday in a bid to be passed fit to run.

‘RV vets today inspected Onesmoothoperator who has sustained a cut to its right hind heel bulb,’ RV Stewards said on Friday.

‘The horse was not passed at this time. He will be re-inspected tomorrow (Saturday) after being re-shod.’

Undefeated Irish three-year-old Jan Brueghel was also ruled out of the cup following a vet check while Busuttin Racing’s Muramasa and Brayden Star were also declared ‘unsuitable to compete’ after their scans. 

Jockey Craig Williams faces a nervous wait to see if his Melbourne Cup ride will be passed fit

Brayden Star and Muramasa co-trainer Trent Busuttin would not comment on the decisions. 

However Brayden Star’s connections released a statement announcing their shock at the decision.

‘Having been advised we’re out of the running for the (Melbourne) Cup because ‘there may be a shadow that could possibly develop into a stress fracture in the future’ is perplexing,’ the statement read. 

The import’s ownership group, managed by Seymour Bloodstock, also released a statement saying that horse welfare was paramount and that they ‘welcome the processes put in place by Racing Victoria’.

‘However, there is no sugar coating it, our team is very disappointed as our horse has never been so outwardly happy, healthy and in great form,’ the statement read.

The John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained Mission of Love was also withdrawn on veterinary advice after the inspection.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Interpretation was cleared after a change in gait was detected.  Interpretation will wear synthetic hoof filler on its left fore foot.

UK import and Bendigo Cup winner Sea King, Japanese raider Warp Speed and Kinesiology were all cleared to race and Champion trainer Chris Waller said Kinesiology could be considered for the big race but would likely be held off.

‘He might not make the Melbourne Cup this year,’ Waller said.

‘It’s all about getting up for the next 12 months and making sure he runs well if he does run.

‘I think you’d be more likely to see him in the (Group 3) Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on the final day.’