Descarado has been scratched from the Cox Plate

Descarado has been officially scratched from the 2011 Cox Plate with the decision made a matter of minutes ago.

The Caulfield Stakes winner worked at Flemington this morning but it was decided by vets and trainer Gai Waterhouse that he wasn’t fit to run.

Descarado had soreness and mild swelling in his hind quarter and they’ve simply run out of time to fix the issue.

The lameness was only very light but in a race such as the Cox Plate there’s no point running unless the horse as at the peak of its powers.

Terry Bailey from Racing Victoria confirmed the scratching of Descarado.

“The stable just advised us that they’ll be supplying a veterinary certificate to say that the horse isn’t running on Saturday,” he said.

This opens the door for first emergency Avienus to gain a start much to the delight of connections and trainer Mark Webb.

Descarado was in barrier nine meaning those drawn outside will move in one position.