One of New Zealand's leading hopes for Melbourne spring cups glory is out of the great races.
Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady was pulled out of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups after suffering a minor injury.
"It is nothing serious but we decided to put her well-being first because she is so valuable," said co-trainer Graeme Rogerson.
He believes Scarlett Lady suffered slight damage to a bone in her knee when unplaced at Caulfield 12 days ago. "It was a rough race and she got knocked around a bit.
"It isn't anything serious but we have decided to give her three weeks off to get over it.
"So she should be all good to come back into work after that and race again after Christmas. But it is a real shame because I think she would have been hard to beat in the cups."
Her loss leaves New Zealand with Jimmy Choux as the favourite for the Cox Plate, while many markets have Lion Tamer as favourite for the Melbourne Cup.