The international challenge for the Cox Plate has hit a hurdle with the Luca Cumani-trained Afsare suffering a leg injury.
Travelling foreman Charlie Henson informed Racing Victoria officals Afsare had swelling in his off foreleg for which he was receiving treatment.
The horse had a strong canter on Tuesday at the Werribee quarantine centre and had been due to continue his program on Thursday.
But he was only led around the stable yard at the quarantine centre and wasn’t ridden.
Afsare’s problem comes after the stable altered plans earlier in the week with another of its Australian team, Ibicenco, who had been entered for Saturday’s Group Two Herbert Power Handicap (2400m).
Henson said Ibicenco was fit and well but he felt he wasn’t ready to produce his best on Saturday and wasn’t an acceptor.
In his absence the internationals will be represented by Shahwardi, a stablemate of 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain, and Gatewood, trained by John Gosden.
Americain is also due to appear at Caulfield on Saturday in an early gallop on the course proper.
The Alain de Royer Dupre stable believes Americain is carrying a little too much condition and expects the gallop to bring him up to where he needs to be for a possible run in Saturday week’s Group One Caulfield Cup.
“He is looking very good and he is quite fit, but maybe just a little bit fat,” said the stable’s Stephanie Nigge who has managed Americain’s preparation on his two previous trips to Australia.
“He had a holiday in France in the summer and I think he enjoyed himself maybe a little too much.”
Nigge expressed a slight doubt about a Caulfield Cup start, but it remains likely he and French compatriot and defending Melbourne Cup champion Dunaden will be among the final acceptors on Tuesday.
