Golden ticket-holder Deakin has been ruled out of the Melbourne Cup on veterinary advice.

Deakin, winner of the Cup-qualifying Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington in March, failed the mandatory pre-race scans.

The diagnostics, central to Cup safety protocols, confirmed changes in Deakin’s fetlocks, which placed the talented stayer at heightened risk of injury.

Deakin completed the mandatory standing CT scan, which identified the issue subsequently confirmed by a PET scan.

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While disappointed to miss out on the Cup this year, trainer Phillip Stokes remained thankful to still have the horse.

Deakin will be spelled with a view to return to work next year.

The six-year-old French-bred son of Australia had been building towards the Cup, with a sixth-placing in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes two starts back.

Deakin was fancied in the Caulfield Cup last start but endured a luckless, hard run in transit, buffeted by unplaced Vauban through early and middle stages of the race.

Deakin is to strong in the end and has gained a Golden Ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup after winning the @Lexus Roy Higgins 🏆

This brings up a double for @pstokesracing and @DanielStack33

🎥 @7horseracing#AusCup#RacingSpectacular#melbournecuppic.twitter.com/qOWEfjAm75

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) March 29, 2025

Deakin emerged at the top of the straight as a live chance at Caulfield but peaked on the run to finish eighth, only beaten three lengths.

Stokes expected an improved performance again in the Melbourne Cup, with Deakin to be ridden more conservatively early to build and use his turn of hoof late.

Third declarations are taken on Monday at 10am but as it sits on Sunday the Joseph O’Brien-trained Goodie Two Shoes sits 24th in the order of entry but some horses siting inside the top 24 are expected to no longer be eligible after the upcoming stage of declarations.

In the past week, Geelong Cup winner Torranzino and Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Onesmoothoperator have moved up the order of entry by winning ballot exemption races.

Meanwhile, Changingoftheguard, currently 25th in the order of entry, will be ridden by Tim Clark in the Melbourne Cup.