Rodd was set to make a rare appearance at Wodonga to partner the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Sweet As Bro in the $80,000 feature.

He was also booked to ride the Team Corstens-trained Stars In The Sky and Providential for local trainer David O’Prey.

Corstens scratched both his runners yesterday morning after Sweet As Bro suffered a bruised heel in track work.

“Unfortunately I worked the horse this morning and he went sore on me,” Leon said yesterday.

“There is no way I can run him.

“It’s sad because I was really looking forward to the race — but what can you do.

“The worst part is I thought Sweet As Bro would prove hard to beat after drawing barrier 2 but the welfare of the horse is my No. 1 priority.

“I have decided to scratch my other runner as well after he drew wide and is also a bit suspect at the mile.”

The scratching of Sweet As Bro has caused a major reshuffle in the betting after the horse opened as $6.50-chance when TAB fixed odds markets first opened on Wednesday.

The Brian Cox-trained Minnie Downs was the most heavily supported runner yesterday and was the $4.40-favourite last night after opening as an $8.50-chance.

Minnie Downs will be ridden by Craig Newitt who is chasing a third Wodonga Cup after winning aboard Stratigraphy last year and Elbrus in 2006.

Elbrus was also Cox’s most recent winner as he shoots for an 11th win in his hometown feature.

In an open cup, Saint Or Sinner $5, Spacecraft $6 and Sadaqa $7 have also been well supported.

There was also good money late yesterday for Stratigraphy who had his odds almost slashed in half to $7 after $13 was available on Wednesday.

Holding today’s Wodonga Gold Cup on a public holiday may lead to a spike in numbers

Wodonga Cup king Brian Cox saddles up for his first cup without his long-time mentor and patriarch of the Cox stables Ollie. 

Star trainer Brett Cavanough says today's race is "a bit like a chook raffle down at your local".

 Melbourne jockey Michael Rodd a late scratching.

A look back at the Wodonga Cup from 2001 to 2010.

In-form hoop Craig Newitt is adamant he is on the right horse to hand him consecutive victories in today’s $80,000 Wodonga Gold Cup.

'I give him a huge chance in the Cup," trainer says.