The Melbourne Cup favourite Cross Counter has suffered a slight set back in his preparations for the race down under, but connections to the gelding are positive he should be ready for the Showcase race at Flemington on November 6th.
The Godolphin owned three year old was found yesterday to have a cut on his leg where he immediately had veterinary assistance to find the problem.
The current 10/1 favourite for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup if being a 100 percent for the race will be a real eye-catcher with non homegrown raider looking to win the race for a second year running.
Trainer to the three year old Charlie Appleby expressed he should be out of action for two days.
(Credit Godolphin.com) He said: “It is annoying, but the Cup is over three weeks away and there is time for him to be ready, provided his recovery is as we expect,” Appleby said. “He will be box-rested for two days, the vets will have another look, and then we will assess everything after that,”
Cross Counter really made name for himself at this years Glorious Goodwood festival where he set a new course record with a superb performance in the Group 3 Qatar Gordon Stakes.
When he was last seen at York in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes he was a narrow second to stable companion Old Persian. This set back is the second one for the Godolphin team in as many days as Hamada suffered a fatal injury during a routine session on Saturday.
All eyes are now on Cross Counter to see if he will be well enough to compete in the showpiece race in the Australian racing calendar on November 6th.