There has been late drama on the eve of the Melbourne Cup with a top contender suddenly scratched from the race. Cleveland was a $34 shot but had been building nicely for the Cup, finishing second in the St Leger at Randwick over 2600m and following that with a win in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup at the end of October. But at 5.
40pm AEDT on the eve of the race, Racing Victoria stewards revealed Cleveland had been scratched from the Cup on the advice of vets. The dramatic news was released just hours after the horse was passed fit. Cleveland is a former Irish stayer who was brought to Australia by ‘Cups King’ Lloyd Williams. The six-year-old stallion is trained by Kris Lees and was set to be ridden by quality jockey Michael Dee. More to come ....