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Several of Australia s best weight-for-age horses are grounded weeks before the first running of the Q22 at Eagle Farm.
As Zaaki soared in his seven-length Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) victory on Saturday, the careers of his opposition were brought into sharp focus with at least two, possibly three, never to race again.
Melody Belle and Humidor were retired by connections pre-race, finishing fifth and seventh at their final start respectively.
The racing future of the sixth-placed Avilius is in doubt after Godolphin s two-time Group 1 winner bled in both nostrils, incurring the mandatory three-month ban from stewards.
Sir Dragonet and Mugatoo were the last two horses across the line in the Doomben Cup with Racing Queensland vets identifying aliments which may have explained their disappointing performance.