Excess Knowledge wins Lexus to earn Melbourne Cup start

Excess KnowledgeIMPORTED galloper Excess Knowledge defied both a track bias and an inquiry to earn a spot in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained runner was wide throughout the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500 metres), but it rolled to the front at the top of the straight and was too strong in the concluding stages.

With Dwayne Dunn in the saddle, Excess Knowledge fought hard in the straight, but it cramped the second-placed Zanteca for room near the line.

“I was three wide and didn’t really have the best runs,” Dunn said.

“He cruised into the corner and got there a bit soon but you know what you’ve got under you with Gai’s horses.

“She said don’t be frightened to go a bit early so that’s what I did.

“When I put the sword to him he really lifted. This horse could have gone another lap.”

Whether or not it would have held out Zanteca over another lap is up for debate and trainer Darren Weir lodged a protest, claiming interference near the line.

Waterhouse had joked about going to the stewards’ room after winning the race, and it was only minutes later that she was summoned by chief steward Terry Bailey.

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“That final furlong I thought ‘oh no’,” Waterhouse said.

“I’ve never ridden a horse so hard in my life. I’ll probably be pulled in front of the stewards.”

Stewards later dismissed the decision and Excess Knowledge secured its spot in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

“He’s so well weighted in this cup,” Waterhouse said. “Is he starting? Yes he is. And will he win? Yes he will.”

That doesn’t bode well for stablemate The Offer, but Waterhouse has never been shy when it comes to talking up all her horses.

Excess Knowledge firmed into $26 in the Melbourne Cup market and the other big mover was The United States which was the benefactor of some bad luck for Team Williams.

Strange situation forces Amralah scratching

The Lloyd Williams-owned Amralah was forced to withdraw from the Melbourne Cup due to an alleged error by its vets.

The winner of the Herbert Power Stakes was treated by vets at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice 18 days ago and there were concerns that traces of a prohibited substance would be found in the horse’s system.

Connections decided to not pay the final declaration fee.

“Amralah was treated by Ballarat Veterinary Practice and they provided treatment to the horse 18 days ago,” Williams said.

“The horse is now unable to run in the Melbourne Cup.”

Nick Williams was visibly frustrated on-air and he stated that Macedon Lodge received “negligent” advice about the treatment of the horse, which would result in legal action.

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“We have spent 12 months getting him ready for this race and you seek advice from experts to get these horses on their feet and, unfortunately, this particular expert treated him with negligence,” Williams said.

“This is a multi-million dollar issue. Fiorente won this race and he was solid for $4.5 million as a stallion. Forget the prizemoney, this is a horrific set of circumstances.

“I have no doubt he would have been in the finish of the race. Anyhow, it’s up to the lawyers now.”

Interestingly, the absence of Amralah allows stablemate The United States to gain a start in the 2015 Melbourne Cup field.

The Moonee Valley Cup winner quickly firmed into $21 at Sportsbet.com.au as a result of the news.

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