Representatives for scratched Cox Plate favourite Zaaki have explained the circumstances leading to the gelding's withdrawal.
Betting markets were turned on their head on Saturday morning when the Annabel Neasham-trained seven-year-old was scratched.
Godolphin colt Anamoe is the new favourite for the weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley, while there is plenty of support for nine-time Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant.
Todd Pollard, assistant trainer to Neasham, revealed Zaaki had presented with a temperature but is expected to make a swift recovery.
"He seemed spot on going into it. We were happy with him when we left the stable yesterday afternoon," Pollard said on Saturday.
"We rurned up (this morning), his temperature was just a little bit above normal and as it transpired throughout the morning it climbed a few more points.
"We had to do the right thing by the horse and scratch him and wait for another day.
"If you didn't take his temperature, he seemed bright and well.
"He had his head in the feed bin this morning, went out for a little trot and was as enthusiastic as ever, so just as well we did take the temperature and save a bit disappointment later."
Zaaki was around $2.80 with most bookies prior to the scratching, having almost touched even money in all-in markets after impressive wins in the Tramway and Underwood Stakes.
Pollard said he expects Zaaki to bounce back and suggested he could be aimed at the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
"The horse will be fine, he'll come through it, we'll just have to see how it is and get him right in the next few days," Pollard said.
"We've taken a blood test to see exactly what sort of infection it is, we'll treat him with the right medication and hopefully he'll be right in a day or two.
"There would be a good chance we go to the Mackinnon on the last day, that's two weeks from now."
