Carzoff out of G1 Metrop, sent to paddock

Carzoff is the latest confirmed high-profile withdrawal from the Group One Metropolitan.

The Newcastle Gold Cup winner was removed from nominations for the Group One staying test on Thursday.

Trainer Chris Waller told Racing NSW stewards Carzoff would be spelled instead of contesting the Metropolitan for which he was second favourite.

Carzoff’s scratching follows the defection of long-time favourite Avilius who will be sent to Melbourne for the Group Three Bart Cummings, a Melbourne Cup qualifying race.

The Metropolitan is one of three Group One races at Randwick on Saturday week and Waller still has a strong hand with three of the top four chances in betting.

They are headed by the $5 favourite Brimham Rocks, runner-up to Avilius in the Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick last week.