Just Fine ruled out of the Melbourne Cup 2023

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained stayer Just Fine will not compete in this year’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

After making an impressive start in Australia with three consecutive wins, including a standout performance in the Metropolitan, Just Fine was positioned as the second favourite for the Melbourne Cup with online bookmakers.

However, despite starting as the $3.10 favourite in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes, he finished over 10 lengths behind the winner, stablemate Alligator Blood.

While Just Fine was a notable omission from the second round of Melbourne Cup acceptances, 51 horses remain in contention, with five entrants from the Waterhouse and Bott stable.

Third acceptances for the Melbourne Cup 2023 and due to be released on October 30.