2015 CAULFIELD Cup winner Mongolian Khan has been scratched from Tuesday's Melbourne Cup after suffering a bout of colic.
The Murray Baker-trained runner will not take its place in the $6 million Group 1 feature at Flemington, with a spokesman for the owners confirming the decision this afternoon.
“So long as the horse pulls through okay, that is the main thing,” spokesman for the owners Graeme Forbes said.
“Obviously it is gut wrenching for everyone concerned and Murray [Baker] was so happy with him before this happened – he felt he had him spot-on for Tuesday.
“But that's horses and racing you have to take the good with the bad. At least he's going to be in good hands and fingers crossed he pulls through okay.”
It was a $12 chance at CrownBet.com.au and bookmakers have already altered their markets with Fame Game shortening to $3.80 after the news.
The scratching will give Moonee Valley Cup winner The United States a better chance of making the field. The Robert Hickmott-trained runner now sits in 24th position and could make it into the final field on Tuesday.
Mongolian Khan's co-trainer, Andrew Forsman, said that his partner was choosing not to deal with the media.
I think Murray has had enough and turned his phone off,” Forsman said.
“We don't think it's a twisted bowel and the horse is OK and it seems like a type of colitis [inflammation of the colon].”
Colic is a treatable condition and Mongolian Khan is in no immediate danger.
CupsBetting will continue to bring you the updated news on Mongolian Khan as it comes to hand.