NZ favourite ruled out of Melbourne Cup

The four-year-old horse was reportedly being treated on Thursday morning. Photo / Getty

The NZ hope for the Melbourne Cup, Mongolian Khan, has officially been scratched from the race due to colic.

The Murray Baker-trained four-year-old was reportedly being treated on Thursday morning, with Racing Victoria Stewards advising more details would be available in the afternoon.

However, Baker advised that the horse would be scratched, with the stable taking no chances with the valuable stayer.

Mongolian Khan was third favourite for the Cup, at $10, and markets will change as he is ruled out.

The term 'colic' is a general one, and can be anything from where a horse suffers an short abdominal pain episode to a twisted bowel that would require urgent surgery.

The condition of Mongolian Khan isn't known, with the horse being sent to the Werribee Vet Clinic for treatment.

40 horses remain in contention for the 2015 Melbourne Cup, with two horses, Mongolian Khan and Beaten Up now withdrawn since Monday's announced of the next acceptances.

25th runner Sertorius and The United States now make the field should they wish to compete, while Dandino climbs ever closer to a Cup start at 26th.