Punters put off Russian

RACING Victoria stewards have analysed Melbourne Cup betting movements after Russian Camelot drifted alarmingly on betting exchanges, sparking fears something was amiss with the import.

While social media was awash with rumours, trainer Danny O’Brien said the South Australian Derby winner had thrived since his Cox Plate third place behind Sir Dragonet and Armory.

“He’s in great order, he’s never been better,” O’Brien said when asked about Russian Camelot yesterday.

“He’s come on since the Cox Plate and we’re happy with him going into the Melbourne Cup.

“He’s down at Thirteenth Beach and he’s very bright.”

Russian Camelot drifted from $11 to $13 in the betting with Ladbrokes.

The shift came despite RV stewards indicating there were no reports the import was either injured or unwell.

RV’s investigation showed

there was a small amount of activity on betting exchanges with players prepared to briefly

offer between $40 and $60 about the Cox Plate placegetter.

The price was no longer available by mid Friday afternoon.

Racing Victoria vets declared Oceanex and Warning fit to run in the Melbourne Cup after the pair showed degrees of lameness midweek.

Oceanex has been reshod with a three-quarter plate and is moving without lameness.

There was a similarly upbeat report around Victoria Derby winner Warning, who will have another precautionary vet check on Saturday.

Nickajack Cave, who currently sits outside the top 24, was also passed fit, but Chapada failed his test.

RV will conduct more veterinary tests after the Lexus Hotham Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. The winner will secure a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.

The sole Hotham runner without a Cup nomination is Brimham Rocks.

OTI-owned True Self, trained by Willie Mullins, is currently 24th in Cup order but can be displaced by the Hotham winner.