Last start Melbourne Cup placegetter Plaintiff has been scratched from Saturday night’s $1.65 million The Phoenix due to injury.

Trained by champion mentor Jason Thompson, Plaintiff, which had taken Neds slot in The Phoenix, had drawn box five in Sunday morning’s box draw and was regarded by many experts as the likely leader in the $1 million to-the-winner showpiece.

The winner of 17 from 32 starts and $273,015 in prizemoney, Plaintiff was an $8 chance in Phoenix betting.

Slot holder Neds have the following greyhounds to choose from to replace Plaintiff: All Spritzed Up, Amron Dan, He’s No Slouch, Kysaiah, Rejuvenate and Zippy Tesla.