Topweight Efficient has been cleared to run in the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick tomorrow after passing a veterinary examination today.

Efficient has been cleared to run in the Sydney Cup - photo (c) Taron Clarke

Prominent owner Lloyd Williams was very outspoken when Efficient was a late scratching from the Group 2 $175,000 Schweppes Chairman’s Quality (2600m) at Randwick on April 14 after race day vets deemed the eight year old to be lame in the off foreleg and connections were told a veterinary clearance would be required before he was allowed to start again.

Williams was furious that Efficient was found to be lame, saying that his 2007 Melbourne Cup winner had developed an arthritic condition.

Racing New South Wales chief steward Ray Murrihy wanted to avoid another race day upset and arranged to have Efficient examined on race eve.

Efficient travelled up to Sydney yesterday from his Mount Macedon base and was passed fit this morning to start after undergoing a thorough examination by Racing New South Wales chief vet Craig Suann.

“No abnormalities were detected by Dr Suann and Efficient has been deemed suitable to take his place in the Sydney Cup tomorrow,” a Racing NSW stewards’ release said.

Efficient hasn’t raced since finishing fifth to Manighar in the Group 1 $1m Dubai Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10 but has been scratched on two occasions since.

The Robert Hichmott trained gelding is currently at $13 in Sydney Cup betting with the Chris Waller trained Permit at the top of market at $3.75, just ahead of Niwot at $3.80.

Next in line is the Mike Moroney trained Drunken Sailor at $8 with Gai Waterhouse’s Older Than Time at $9.