Rank outsider for this afternoon’s $3million Cox Plate (2040m), Sir Slick, has been scratched from the race due to an injured hoof.

The eight-year-old Kiwi raider failed to pass a veterinary examination of the injury he sustained during the week.

The field has been reduced to 13 runners, with Mark Kavanagh-trained Whobegotyou remaining the clear favourite at short odds of $3.

Kavanagh is going for back-to-back Cox Plate success in the world’s toughest weight-for-age championship after winning last year with Maldivian.

Other strong contenders that may give Whobegotyou a run for his money are Zipping ($13), Black Piranha ($21) and Bart Cummings’ So You Think ($11).

The Moonee Valley track is currently a Dead 4 but is expected to be elevated to a Good 3 by the time of the race.