A vet inspection of the John O’Shea-trained Lost And Running on raceday morning has found him to be lame in the off hind leg and unsuitable to start in The Everest.
The last start Group 2 Premiere Stakes winner was seen to be the main danger to the now $1.60 favourite Nature Strip in the race worth $15 million at Randwick on Saturday.
John O’Shea reported to RNSW Stewards on Friday afternoon that Lost And Running has developed a skin irritation to the inside of the off-hind fetlock joint.
Godolphin’s Kementari will take the slot owned by TAB in the event, with Hugh Bowman picking up the ride following the scratching of Lost And Running.
Kementari was a half-kength of Lost And Running, Mazu and Masked Crusader in the Premiere Stakes and despite his $41 quote with online bookmakers, is expected to produce a big run in The Everest.
It wasn’t the only blow for John O’Shea and his stable who were also forced to scratch imported galloper Maximal from the Caulfield Cup leaving Ben Melham without a ride.
Durston now comes into the field for the Chris Waller stable with Michael Dee to ride in the Caulfield Cup.
O’Shea will still be represented in the Caulfield Cup, with Benaud ($9.50) expected to be in the finish in the 2400m event at Caulfield.
At the close of scratchings there were 38 out of the Caulfield meeting with the track coming up a Heavy 8 at 7.30am, despite the deluge of rain Melbourne has experienced during the week.
Randwick was rated a Soft 7 at 7.30am with 13 scratchings for The Everest meeting with second favourite Espiona from the Chris Waller yard coming out of the re-scheduled Silver Eagle.