GUTTED Nash Rawiller has been axed as the jockey for Melbourne Cup favourite Fiorente in the $6.2 million race at Flemington on November 5.
Damien Oliver was confirmed as Rawiller's replacement for the Cup and his lead-up run in the $3 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 26 amid the fallout from Fiorente's unlucky defeat in yesterday's Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Owners were up in arms after Fiorente flashed home from the tail of the field, having been held up in the straight, to finish fourth to Happy Trails. Heavily backed, the import was a half-length from the winner.
Rawiller told The Australian he thought he had the support of a few owners, but feared the worst yesterday morning. A downcast Rawiller defended his ride vigorously.
"He was badly hampered at the start. He's a bull (an entire) and he resented the tightening," Rawiller said.
"Standing over him is not the way to go. He flew once he got clear of Silent Achiever."
Fiorente is third favourite at $5 for the Cox Plate and heads the market at $6 for the Melbourne Cup.
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