Winx will have seven rivals in the Cox Plate with the scratching of English horse Kaspersky on race morning with swelling in his near foreleg.
His withdrawal on Saturday means Michelle Payne will miss the chance to ride in her first Cox Plate.
All is well with the favourite Winx who is odds-on to win her third consecutive Cox Plate in front of a sell-out crowd.
Kaspersky was scratched at 8:19am with soreness and swelling in her foreleg.
- with AAP