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Melbourne Cup run hangs in the balance for Onesmoothoperator after cut but connections ‘confident’ he will pass second test

Melbourne Cup run hangs in the balance for Onesmoothoperator after cut but connections ‘confident’ he will pass second test

Onesmoothoperator’s participation in the Lexus Melbourne Cup remains in doubt with a re-inspection required on Saturday after local stewards deemed him an ineligible runner due to the cut he received.

The Brian Ellison-trained runner went 8-1 in the signature race in Australia on Tuesday, the shortest price of the two potential GB entries, but was found to have a cut on his right heel when examined on Thursday.

He emerged as a viable contender to win the Geelong Cup during last weekend’s warm-up, although connections are hopeful he will not join pre-post favorite Jan Brueghel in becoming the second European to be ruled out by stewards. The St Leger winner was withdrawn from the competition due to an increased risk of injury. a decision described by coach Aidan O’Brien as “ridiculous”.

According to owner Patrick Doyle, Onesmoothoperator passed the initial scan and was not affected by the cutting. He will be refitted on Saturday and his connections hope he can enter the A$8 million (£4.07 million) competition.

Doyle told local radio Racing and Sport: “It’s quite simple, he pulled a horseshoe a couple of days ago, but since then he’s been working well in the canter without any problems. He had a scheduled vet check on Friday and, for good reason, they would like to see him again to make sure the cut on his heel is healing. He will be changed on Saturday.

“It doesn’t affect his ability to race or run, the main thing is to make sure the cut heals. The guys apply antiseptics and bandage them. We are confident; It’s not ideal, but hopefully he’ll be okay.”

Onesmoothoperator also improved his form this week when Sea King, who was a nose ahead of him at Ebor at York in August, won the Bendigo Cup in impressive fashion for Harry Eustace.

“He’s in great shape,” Doyle added. “Harry’s horse actually won very well. We were upside down at Ebor and ran a race like this as we were too far back to win it, but we ran well. Ebor tends to have a strong form and all of this adds up to a recipe for racing.”


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