Cranach to pass another vet exam before Caulfield Cup

The $2.5m Caulfield Cup (2400m) one time second favorite Lucas Cranach will have to undergo a second vet inspection before being past fit to take his place in the field.

Victoria’s Head of Equine Welfare and Veterinary Services, Brian Stewart, today inspected Lucas Cranach at the Rye stables of Anthony and Lee Freedman after the stable advised RV stewards earlier in the week that the horse had a hoof abscess.

Stewart determined that the horse was currently suitable for racing as it showed no signs of lameness or inflammation on its near foreleg, but ordered a further veterinary examination of the horse upon its arrival at Caulfield tomorrow.

In addition, the stable advised that Lucas Cranach would wear bar plates on both forelegs in tomorrow’s Cup.

Subsequent to the inspection, Racing Victoria stewards sought further clarification from Lee Freedman, who has been overseeing the horse’s preparation, as to the timing of the reporting of and the nature of such injury.

It was reported earlier in the week that he was struggling with a foot abscess however the real problem was later identified as a cracked heel.

This is likely to have come about after he pulled a shoe last week.

Since surfacing, punters have given Lucas Cranach a wide birth despite his perfect draw in barrier three.

On Wednesday the former German galloper was $7 second favourite to give the Freedman stable a fifth Caulfield Cup.

Bookmakers have reported a distinct shying away of Lucas Cranach who is now as much as $12 and in some markets on the fourth line of betting.

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