Nakeeta claims final spot in Melbourne Cup

Scottish trained eight-year-old Nakeeta claimed the final spot in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup field after master trainer Ed Dunlop scratched Red Verdon because of a bruised heel and Gai Waterhouse's Thinkin' Big failed in VRC Derby, finishing 12th after starting favourite.

The barrier draw is set for 6.30pm with Japanese stayer Sole Impact set to just miss out unless there is a withdrawal at final acceptances.

She's in: Nakeeta has scored a Melbourne Cup berth.

She’s in: Nakeeta has scored a Melbourne Cup berth.Credit:AAP

Nakeeta, who finished fifth in last year's Cup, was working on the polytrack at Werribee at 10am on Saturday, with his trainer Iain Jardine crossing his fingers for a start.

By 4.30pm that spot looked to be his with Lexus winner A Prince of Arran also claiming his place with a tough performance on Derby Day.

A Prince of Arran's win gave the 32-year-old English trainer, who worked at the Freedman stables in Mornington a decade ago, his first Melbourne Cup runner.

The horse, which has raced in four countries since March, did not receive a penalty in the Cup as he aims to become the first Lexus winner since Shocking in 2009 to win the great race.

Dunlop experienced different emotions after watching top jockey Damien Oliver gallop his Cup hope Red Verdon at Werribee in a run designed to determine his fitness after he bruised his foot earlier in the week.

Although the horse appeared to run without discomfort there was obvious concern in the Dunlop camp immediately after the gallop before a vet arrived.

Red Verdon was assessed to have slight soreness in his off fore heel at the initial inspection and when little improvement was noted ahead of the final inspection scheduled for 3.30pm, Dunlop withdrew the horse.

It was a massive disappointment for Dunlop. who trained Red Cadeaux into second place in three Melbourne Cups only to lose the crowd favourite when she died after injuring himself in the 2015 race.

Red Verdon, Tosen Basil and Duretto all withdrew this week, paving the way for Zacada, Sir Charles Road and Nakeeta to make the field while A Prince of Arran won his way in.

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