Racing: Gail likely

Vintage Crop was quoted at 11- 2 by William Hill yesterday for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. The Irish-trained gelding had been as low as 7-2 with Australian bookmakers until he suffered a leg injury on Monday.

Results of a blood test on the horse were being awaited last night. His trainer, Dermot Weld, was optimistic that last year's winner would run, but said he would be pulled out if infection is indicated.

Stablemate Cliveden Gail, the mount of Willie Carson, is set to get into the field after the latest declaration stage. Hills rate Australian runners Top Rating and Paris Lane 4-1 and 5-1 respectively. English challenger Quick Ransom is 7-1 and Cliveden Gail 14-1.