A devastated trainer, Ruth Matic, has had to withdraw up and coming staying star Embye from Sunday's Speed Star series in Melbourne.
When fields were released on Wednesday morning for the Speed Star match-racing series which will be held on Sunday at Sandown Park, the notable absentee was the favourite for the Lizrene Speed Star event over the 715m.
Embye, who is new to staying after some impressive middle distance performances, had been installed as favourite for the event following a stunning 41.56s solo trial at the track last week.
But Ruth reported that she found the dog "proppy" on Wednesday morning, and "after talking the owners, decided not to run him."
"We are devastated at the moment," she said. "(He) has been virtually injury fee his entire career until now. (We) don't think it is too serious but will know more later today."
Embye made his staying debut last month at Wentworth Park and made arguably the most impressive distance debut seen at the track when he came from fourth at the first turn to win over 720m on in 41.88s.
