Maldivian (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the shortest-priced favorite since 1966, was withdrawn at the start of yesterda?s G1 Caulfield Cup after he reared up in the stalls and suffered a severe gash behind his right ear. Maldivian became agitated when second choice Eskimo Queen (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}) acted up in the gate and threw herself to the ground; she, too, was withdrawn. A devastated Mark Kavanagh, trainer of Maldivian, told au.sports.yahoo.com,ÜIt's been stitched up and is not career threatening, but at this stage he's out for the spring. Racing is a cruel game. The last few weeks have been pretty good, but this is a tough one to swallow. Racing is very ruthless, I can tell you? Master ?Reilly (NZ) (?Reilly {NZ}) took advantage of the situation, closing from midfield to take the race by
2 1/4 lengths.
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