In a devastating blow for the Chris Waller stable, this year’s Caulfield Cup champion Durston has been ruled out of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup 2022 field after failing to pass a mandatory pre-race scan.

Caulfield Cup champ Durston has been ruled out of the 2022 Melbourne Cup due to injury. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Leading local hope for the 162^nd edition of the Group 1 $7.75 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), Durston, has officially been withdrawn after failing his scan less than a week out from the ‘race that stops a nation’.

Chris Waller Racing confirmed the news in a statement issued on Thursday morning explaining Durston’s scan showed a “grey area” in his left hind leg.

Despite specialists yet to determine “whether it is old or new or whether it is even something to be concerned about”, Durston has been forced to withdraw.

“It is very disappointing for all connections of the horse as well as my stable because so much time and effort goes into these horses; it’s just heart breaking,” Waller said.

The seven-year-old Sea The Moon chestnut, winner of the Wyong Gold Cup – Newcastle Gold Cup double in September, was huge thundering home on October 15 for a narrow win at big odds in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) having made the field as the first emergency the morning of.

Jockey Damien Oliver was booked to ride him in the Melbourne Cup on November 1^st where Durston would have been looking to become the 12^th Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double winner in history and the first since Ethereal (2001).

Durston was at $15 in pre-field Melbourne Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au at the time of his withdrawal.

Updated all-in Melbourne Cup odds have international raiders Deauville Legend ($5) and Loft ($7) as the favourites to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and James McDonald respectively.

The news of Durston’s withdawal sees the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained So You Think mare Realm Of Flowers, third in the Group 1 The Metropolitan in Sydney last start, move up to number 24 on the official Melbourne Cup order of entry with 50kg.

Geelong Cup winner Emissary (51.5kg) for Michael Moroney is now confirmed a start in the 24-horse Cup field elevated to number 23 at $26 odds.

High Emocean for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace remains right on the cusp of a run after her Group 3 $500,000 Bendigo Cup victory on Wednesday in No. 25 position with 50kg.

Connections are now relying on the attrition rate to get her in after news from RV Head of Handicapping, David Heagan, that she would not receive a penalty.

Saturday’s Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Derby Day offers a final chance into the Melbourne Cup field for the winner should they be nominated.

Click here for the latest Melbourne Cup 2022 betting markets courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.

Updated 2022 Melbourne Cup Order Of Entry

Table Credit: Racing Australia.