Caulfield Cup contender Saint George will face a race-morning veterinary inspection after failing to pass a preliminary check, placing his place in Saturday’s Group 1 contest in doubt.
The Ciaron Maher-trained horse remains under veterinary supervision and will be examined again at Caulfield after being re-plated. He is currently an $8.50 co-second favourite alongside stablemate Zahrann.
A withdrawal would allow The Euphrates, priced at $16, to enter the field. Saint George’s removal would be a major change to the line-up, with all other 21 runners, including the four emergencies, having passed their examinations.
Maher also has Royal Supremacy, Middle Earth and the other three reserve entries among the runners for the race.
Cosmic Crusader remains the likely favourite at $5, despite drawing barrier 17, with punters backing the West Australian-owned gelding and jockey William Pike.
