PET scan clears 2024 Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa to run in Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield

A scan using new hi-tech equipment has enabled vets to clear Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa to run at Caulfield on Saturday week.

Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa has been cleared to in Saturday week’s Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield. Picture: Getty Images

Controversial Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa has been cleared to race in Saturday week’s Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield.

Racing Victoria stewards withdrew Muramasa and his Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained stablemate Brayden Star from the Melbourne Cup after the pair failed compulsory CT scans.

A panel of vets reviewed the CT scans last month, reporting the results indicated both horses were “at a heightened risk of injury”, prompting a recommendation to scratch the duo.

However, Busuttin said the stable received clearance to race Muramasa in the Zipping Classic after a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre at Werribee.

COMMENT: Why we must back the vet's call on Cup runners

Anyone suggesting Melbourne Cup vetting is "ridiculous" - Jan Brueghel's trainer Aidan O'Brien included - need only type three words into Google. @gilbertgardiner defends Cup's safety protocols. 👇https://t.co/B0dz1nkZOb

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) October 30, 2024

• Inside Melbourne Cup vet protocols: How the process works

Costing $1.5m, the PET scanner became operational last year to boost research into injury prevention in racehorses.

Busuttin said the PET scan gave more context to the issue that kept Muramasa out of the Melbourne Cup.

“Obviously the PET scan reveals more,” Busuttin said.

“The CT scan reveals a shadow and the PET scan reveals whether the shadow is active or not active and whether it poses a threat.

“The PET scan showed the issue they were concerned about (with Muramasa) was not active.

“We’re very happy with that outcome and look forward to running him in the Zipping Classic.”

Godolphin sprinter Spacewalk will represent Busuttin in Saturday’s inaugural edition of The Meteorite. Picture: Michael Klein

Muramasa had not raced since finishing third to Onesmoothoperator in the Geelong Cup on October 23.

The son of Japanese legend Deep Impact stepped out at Monday’s Cranbourne jumpouts.

“He trialled up today at Cranbourne and ran second so we’re happy with him,” Busuttin said.

“He’ll run in the Zipping Classic, all going well.”

Brayden Star will head out for a spell.

Busuttin and Young are likely to be without a runner in their hometown Cranbourne Cup on Saturday after winning the $500,000 race two years ago with Uncle Bryn.

However, Busuttin Racing will team up with Godolphin to tackle the inaugural running of The Meteorite with consistent sprinter Spacewalk.

Spacewalk finished second in the Listed Century Stakes at Flemington on Oaks Day but will return to racing around a bend in Saturday’s $1m feature.

“The blue colours of Godolphin are competitive in any race they contest and it was an easy fit, to be honest,” Busuttin said.

“We looked at it and thought he’s going well and would at least be a top four chance.”

Originally published as PET scan clears 2024 Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa to run in Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield