By Amanda Gillies
Bart Cummings struck a frail figure when he fronted journalists just a few days ago.
Saturday is Victoria Derby Day. But champion trainer Cummings now won't be there.
Last night, his health took a turn for the worse and he was admitted to hospital where he's being treated for pneumonia.
“Look it's very difficult when people get older and Bart's had two illnesses this year. They become so fragile. I just hope and pray he'll be there even if he's not coming to Flemington that he can watch it on the tele,” says Gai Waterhouse.
There is speculation the trainer's latest wonder horse, So You Think, won't make it to Flemington on Tuesday either.
There is increasing concerns about his ability over the two miles.
But his Malaysian owner rates his prize stallion a 90 percent chance of running.
"He's a good horse and a good horse can overcome short comings. If he can stay he will win it fairly convincingly," says owner Dato.
And not even a forecast of rain can deter a proud owner.
“He'll run hail or shine. You have a horse like this every twenty years so a horse like that must be given a chance," says Dato.
But punters aren't convinced - jumping off the two time Cox Plate champ.
So You Think has drifted from $4.50 to $7.20 with last year's winner Shocking the outright favourite.
"The punters aren't actually convinced it will go to the Melbourne Cup. Obviously at the forefront of their minds Bart Cummings obviously has the horse’s wellbeing at the front of his mind," says Matt Thompson from Betfair.
A champion horse and a champion trainer, it's fair to say the Melbourne Cup simply won't be the same without either.
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