Melbourne Cup run hangs in the balance for Onesmoothoperator after cut - but connections 'confident' he'll pass second check

Onesmoothoperator's participation in the Lexus Melbourne Cup remains in the balance with a reinspection on Saturday required after he was deemed an unsuitable runner by the local stewards due to sustaining a cut.

The Brian Ellison-trained runner is 8-1 for Australia's signature race on Tuesday, the shortest price of two potential British representatives, but was found to have a cut to his right heel when inspected on Thursday.

He emerged as a live contender when winning the Geelong Cup in his warm up last weekend, although connections are hoping he does not join ante-post favourite Jan Brueghel as the second European to be ruled out by the stewards. The St Leger winner was withdrawn having been at a heightened risk of injury, a decision called "ridiculous" by trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Onesmoothoperator passed his initial scans and has not been impacted by the cut, according to owner Patrick Doyle. He will be re-shod on Saturday with connections optimistic he will be able to participate in the AU$8 million (£4.07 million) contest.

Doyle told local radio Racing and Sport: "It's quite straightforward, he pulled a shoe a couple of days ago but he's worked well since on the gallops without any problem. It was his timetabled vets' check on Friday and, with good reason, they'd like to see him again to make sure the cut on his heel is improving. He's being reshod on Saturday. 

"It's not affecting his ability to race or run, it's about making sure the cut heals up. The guys are applying antiseptic stuff and bandaging. We're confident; it's not ideal but hopefully he'll be alright."

Onesmoothoperator also got a form boost in the week as Sea King, who was a nose ahead of him in the Ebor at York in August, won the Bendigo Cup in impressive fashion for Harry Eustace.

"His form is solid," Doyle added. "Harry's horse won very well indeed. We were upsides in the Ebor and rode similar races having been too far back to win it but running nicely. The Ebor is generally strong form and it all adds to the recipe for the race."

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