The Offer will be withdrawn from next Tuesday's $6.2 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, The Offer was examined today (Tuesday) and was found to have lameness.
It appears to be the same injury that put the stayer in doubt for the Caulfield Cup after it was discovered that he had a mystery soreness just three days before the 2400 metre feature.
The Offer was able to start in the Caulfield Cup after improving dramatically over the following 48 hours
The Offer was rated a $15 chance to win the Melbourne Cup with Sportingbet. The one-time favourite for the race that stops a nation showed his ability and class earlier this year with a dominant win in the Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200 metres, however, he had failed to produce his best in his four appearances during the Spring Racing Carnival.
The Offer's last start was in the Caulfield Cup where he finished 11th, beaten three and a half lengths. Waterhouse was reputedly not happy with his condition coming out of the race and informed Racing Victoria Stewards earlier this morning that he would not be taking his place next Tuesday.
His withdrawal means that Araldo is essentially guaranteed of a start in the Melbourne Cup where he is currently rated a $19 chance with Sportingbet. As such, Araldo will not contest Saturday's Group 3 Lexus Stakes at Flemington and will head straight towards Australia's greatest race.
The favourite for the Melbourne Cup remains Admire Rakti, this year's Caulfield Cup winner, which is presently $5 with Sportingbet.
