Silent Achiever has been withdrawn from next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, guaranteeing a start to Irish stayer Simenon.

The 2012 New Zealand Derby winner sustained lacerations on her hind legs, which required stitches, during the Caulfield Cup.

Racing Victoria stewards had examined the mare on Friday as part of their routine inspections of the top 35 horses in the Melbourne Cup order of entry.

Stewards ordered she be re-examined tomorrow before final Melbourne Cup acceptances.

But on Friday afternoon trainer Roger James discovered the mare had an elevated temperature requiring treatment meaning she would be unable to accept for the Cup. He consequently advised stewards Silent Achiever would miss the race.

The withdrawal of Silent Achiever, who was 19th in the order of entry, elevated Simenon to 22 and assured him of a Cup berth.

Perth galloper Mr Moet (now 23rd) is also unlikely to accept, with Perth trainer Adam Durrant indicating he would prefer to return to Western Australia to prepare the horse for their summer carnival.

More withdrawals may see 12-time Cup-winning trainer Bart Cummings earn a start for his gelding Precedence which is outside the field in position 28.

But the possibility of the winners of the Lexus and the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday jumping the queue with automatic qualification make it hard for the likes of Precedence to make the field.

Imported stayers Jet Away (29th) and Araldo (36th) are favourites to win the Mackinnon and Lexus respectively, and force their way into the Cup field.