Race favourite Pericles has been scratched from Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
Trainer James Cummings reported the gelding had “blood in the near side nostril” after completing trackwork on Tuesday, and a subsequent endoscopic examination detected blood in its trachea.
Racing NSW Stewards have approved the withdrawal, and Pericles will need to undergo a satisfactory 1000m gallop in the presence of a Steward before racing again, according to AR79(8) provisions.
The withdrawal makes Hope In Your Heart the new $7.00 favourite at Ladbrokes and allows Williamsburg, a $51 chance, to secure a start, with Andrew Adkins as the rider.
The Epsom Handicap is set to run at the Royal Randwick meeting on 30 September 2023.