Light Fantastic out of Plate
23/09/2008 7:01 PM
One time Cox Plate favourite Light Fantastic is officially out of the running for the race.
Connections opted not to pay the $1320 second declaration fee on Tuesday following the grey's inglorious 11th in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
His defeat in the Underwood came a fortnight after he blemished his previously unbeaten record when he ran fourth in the G2 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Light Fantastic had been a $4 favourite for the Cox Plate, to be run at Moonee Valley on October 25, after toppling Weekend Hussler first-up in the G2 Liston Stakes (1400m).
The Mick Price-trained four-year-old was the biggest name missing from the 56-horse list following Tuesday's second declarations.
Other casualties include Sydney star Racing To Win, who broke down earlier this month, out-of-form VRC Derby winner Kibbutz and European galloper Traffic Guard.
There were still 11 three-year-olds remaining, including star filly Samantha Miss, the current $8 equal second favourite (TAB Sportsbet) with Pompeii Ruler.
Weekend Hussler holds favouritism at $2.25 after his victory at Caulfield on Saturday.