Gut-wrenching decision to scratch from Hunter Cup

IT WAS the gut-wrenching decision he postponed as long as possible, but Scott Ewen had to make the tough call...his star pacer Bulletproof Boy is out of tonight's A G Hunter Cup in Melton.

Racing in career-best form with victories at his last four starts - including the Shepparton and Ballarat Cups - Bulletproof Boy had his best chance to cause an upset and finally register an elusive Group One triumph.

A swollen leg, however, has to put an end to that!

"He's knocked it or kicked at something and his leg has blown up," Ewen said. "He has hit it hard enough to half cut off the chestnut on his nearside back hock.

"It happened yesterday, so I knew I was fighting a losing battle against the clock, but did everything I could to get him to the race.

"I iced it four times yesterday and again at 3am this morning, also put mud on it, but it wasn't to be.

"I cantered him this morning and it came down a bit, but not enough to risk him."

Looking for a positive, Ewen is thankful the 10-year-old's injury is minor, allowing him to focus on next weekend's Cranbourne Cup.

"He never hurts himself ever," Ewen said. "But on the eve of his biggest race, he decides to.

"One silver lining is it is nothing major and he will be good to go for the Cranbourne Cup next week."