Epsom Handicap second favourite Egg Tart is under an injury cloud five days out from the $1 million feature at Randwick.
Egg Tart was inspected by Racing NSW Vet Dr Craig Suann on Tuesday after trainer Chris Waller revealed to stewards that the mare had been treated for an eye irritation.
"Dr Suann advised that as the irritation presents at this time the mare is not suitable to race this Saturday and accordingly would require further improvement to take its place in the Epsom,” a Racing NSW stewards release said.
"Dr Suann shall inspect Egg Tart again tomorrow to monitor its progress.”
Egg Tart took part in an exhibition gallop at Rosehill last Saturday and galloped in pacifiers.
Waller sighted a desire to "keep her focused" but it's now come to light the mare has been suffering from the eye problem.
Racing NSW stewards issued an earlier release on Tuesday stating Waller has reported in that "Egg Tart has developed an eye irritation to the near side eye since its last start in the Theo Marks Stakes".
The mare was treated with "anti-inflammatories and antibiotics" and importantly "not missed any work".