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The field for the Melbourne Cup has been reduced to 23, after Point Nepean became the latest horse to withdraw from the prestigious race.
The five-year old thoroughbred reported an elevated blood result on Monday morning, with trainer Robert Hickmott confirming the scratching shortly after.
“Robert Hickmott stable has advised RV Stewards that Point Nepean has returned elevated blood results and has been withdrawn from tomorrow’s Lexus Melbourne Cup,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.
>> Check out the full Melbourne Cup field
He was not considered a serious threat to claim victory, having not raced since a second-last finish in the Herbert Power Handicap at Caulfield earlier this month.
Point Nepean’s withdrawal means iconic trainer Lloyd Williams has just one horse, Serpentine, still in the running for Australian racing’s biggest prize.
Jamie Kah riding Point Nepean. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
With the draw having already taken place, Point Nepean, who gained entry into the Cup by claiming the Andrew Ramsden Stakes in May, is unable to be replaced for Tuesday’s race at Flemington in Victoria.
The reason is that the totalisator system cannot handle more than 24 numbers in any race.
Point Nepean joins Loft, Durston and Makram in pulling out of the Cup, but the latter trio were all able to be replaced as they had withdrawn before the cut-off point.
Point Nepean may soon be joined in withdrawing by Luna Flare, who faces a Cup day inspection after reportedly presenting with heel soreness on Monday.
Regarded as one of the local favourites, the seven-year old mare will need to be passed fit to race by RV vets on Tuesday morning.
“She has had no history of any leg being wrong at any time,” trainer Grahame Begg told The Age.
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