Saint George passes second Cox Plate vet check as all 12 acceptors cleared

Saint George has been passed fit to race in Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington after a second veterinary inspection on Friday morning.

The Ciaron Maher-trained runner was presented unshod at Thursday’s inspection and was re-examined with shoes on, Racing Victoria said in its stewards’ report dated October 23.

Joseph Pride’s Ceolwulf was also inspected on Friday morning following his arrival in Melbourne from Sydney and was passed. The other 10 final acceptors were cleared on Thursday, completing the checks on the full field.

It is the second week running Saint George has needed an additional examination before a major race. He was due for a race-morning check at Caulfield after re-plating before the Caulfield Cup, in which he ran second at $10, half a length behind Kingswood.