Chris Waller’s charge, Francesco Guardi, has been officially withdrawn from the Geelong Cup.
The seven-year-old’s removal was confirmed on Wednesday morning, with plans now shifting towards a start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup this Friday.
Francesco Guardi was paying $9.50 to win the Geelong Cup, behind favourite Birdman ($4), with the seven-year-old now the $3.60 favourite for the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
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Francesco Guardi is looking to add a second Moonee Valley Gold Cup following the gelding’s victory in the 2022 edition.
This marks the second withdrawal for Waller in as many days, following the decision to pull five-year-old Manzoice from the field on Tuesday.
Manzoice has also accepted into the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, with Ladbrokes installing it as a $20 chance to win the 2500m feature.
The Geelong Cup, which is often used as the final preparation for the Melbourne Cup, lineup is now reduced to 13 competitors.
Francesco Guardi is also nominated for the Melbourne Cup, with online bookmakers having it roughly around the $34 quote, with this price set to shorten if he puts in a strong showing at the Valley.
The Geelong Cup is set to jump at 4.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.
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