Racing: Unprecedented vet checks for Cup

File photo / Alan Gibson.

The top 35 horses in the elimination order for the Melbourne Cup have been subjected to unprecedented veterinary checks over the past two days ahead of today's final payment and the declaration of the 24-horse field.

Bauer, runner-up in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, underwent a second examination yesterday afternoon and was passed fit by Racing Victoria vets.

Bauer had a build up of pressure in his near fore hoof which had been caused by a bar shoe worn in trackwork. He was re-shod with the bar shoe replaced by a standard race plate.

Fellow international Holberg, who has been receiving treatment for a bruised hoof, was also examined for a second time and a decision will be made by trainer Saeed bin Suroor today whether to pay up for the Cup in which he is unlikely to gain a start.

The news was not good for Master O'Reilly, fourth in the 2009 Cup, with vets ordering another examination today.

Master O'Reilly, who has run in the past three Melbourne Cups, has had a bout of colic and vets were not completely satisfied with his condition. Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel, who was deemed to be lame after the Moonee Valley Cup, will be examined again after she runs in the Mackinnon Stakes.

Meanwhile, Shocking's rider Michael Rodd says So You Think is virtually unbeatable in today's Mackinnon Stakes but will be vulnerable in the Melbourne Cup.

While many doubt So You Think's physical ability to run a strong 3200 metres in the Cup, Rodd believes his mental immaturity may play against him. The Bart Cummings-trained So You Think won his second Cox Plate at just his 10th start and doesn't turn four until November 11.

"If So You Think runs up to his Cox Plate win he's going to be hard to beat in the Mackinnon," Rodd said.

"But when it comes to the Melbourne Cup, it's hard to doubt Bart but So You Think may be mentally unseasoned."

Shocking has displaced So You Think as favourite for the Cup with French horse Americain, winner of the Geelong Cup, leading the international charge.

- AAP