Damien Oliver’s final Melbourne Cup is in jeopardy after a veterinary’s discovery on his ride Alenquer on Sunday morning.
The horse presented with a stone bruise after trackwork and had a hoof pad applied.
Alenquer, currently a $61 chance but a dark horse pick by Fox Sports expert Trevor Marshallsea, will be inspected again on Monday as part of the mandatory pre-Melbourne Cup vet inspections.
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Trainer Michael Moroney, who won the Cup with Brew in 2000 and was second with Emissary last year, was hoping to give Oliver his fourth triumph in the legendary race after drawing the favourable barrier nine.
“It would be great to be a part of the fairytale, wouldn’t it,” Moroney said on Saturday night after the barrier draw.
“I don’t mind being a part of that.
“As you know, he (Oliver) has had 32 rides and I have had 24 runners, so we are both seasoned (campaigners in the race).
“It looks a bit stronger than last year. I think the Europeans have a bit more confidence in coming over now and the Japanese are here as well.
“It makes for a very interesting race.”
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