The Robert Hickmott-trained C’est La Guerre has been scratched from the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington’s Melbourne Cup Preview Day on Sunday.

Six-year-old Shinko King gelding C’est La Guerre, owned by Lloyd Williams, will instead run in the Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday’s Epsom Handicap Day.

The weight-for-age conditions and small seven-horse field of the 2010 Craven Plate was considered by connections as a better option for C’est La Guerre who had drawn poorly with barrier 18 in the Turnbull Stakes.

C’est La Guerre will jump from barrier six in the Craven Plate with star hoop Michael Rodd aboard.

Williams will still be represented in the Turnbull Stakes field on Sunday with nine-year-old Danehill gelding Zipping set to jump from barrier six, currently paying $11 to win through Sportsbet.

C’est La Guerre placed third in the 2008 Melbourne Cup and is vying for a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field again this year on Tuesday November 2.

Currently C’est La Guerre is ranked 22^nd in the order of entry for the 2010 Melbourne Cup and is at $41 to win in the Melbourne Cup odds at Sportsbet.

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