Ballarat trainer Darren Weir will not defend his Melbourne Cup title at Flemington on Tuesday.
He was left without a starter when he decided not be push ahead with Real Lover after her unplaced run in Saturday’s Lexus Stakes.
Weir had stated she Real Love needed to win or be luckless behind the winner in the Flemington lead-up event to run in the Cup.
Ballarat will be represented by the imported Grey Lion, which is prepared by Dowling Forest-based Matt Cumani.
While Cumani has a growing team in Ballarat, Grey Lion is yet to step foot in his stable.
The entire has been based at the Werribee International Horse Centre since arriving in Australia – first serving a quarantine period and then staying on there to ensure an uninterrupted build-up the Melbourne Cup.
The Ballarat district will also have an interest in another overseas campaigner Heartbreak City, which Ballan-based syndicator Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock has a major share in.
The Melbourne Cup will be his only Australian start, with Heartbreak City returning to Europe to continue his career.
