Dual Group I winner Tarzino will head to Ballarat on Monday for tests that will determine the remainder of his spring preparation.
Tarzino's trainer Mick Price scratched the Victoria Derby and Rosehill Guineas winner from Saturday's Caulfield Cup after detecting fluid around a joint.
Price said Tarzino was not lame but he would not risk an injury by running the four-year-old until vets in Ballarat gave him the all-clear.
"The exact problem is there's fluid around the superficial flexor tendon between the bottom of the fetlock and the top of the foot," Price said.
"There's an aggravation there somewhere that could turn into a bigger injury.
"His action hasn't changed but there's fluid in that area and it shouldn't be there."
Price said the tests would determine whether the son of Tavistock stays in work for another spring target or heads out for a spell.
"He's going to Ballarat for scintigraphy on Monday. Depending on what they say, my instinct tells me his preparation is in doubt," Price said.
"I'll obviously do the right thing by the horse. Hopefully we can get him back for the autumn."
