THE Geoff Duryea-trained Front Page has been forced to withdraw from the Kosciuszko on Saturday due to injury.
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In a bitter blow for connections, Front Page sustained injuries to his near side eye and off hind leg after he became fractious while being floated.
It is believed the incident happened shortly after departing Duryea's Corowa stables.
Duryea's vet inspected the horse and delivered the gut-wrenching news that Front Page wouldn't be able to take his place in the $1.3-million feature.
Front Page stamped himself as one of the most promising four-year old sprinters in the country after winning in Listed grade at Flemington earlier this year in only his sixth career start.
The impressive victory sparked interest from overseas buyers with connections turning down offers of more than $1.5-million for the son of Magnus.
Front Page was the $4.60 second favourite for the Kosciuszko behind the Brett Cavanough-trained It's Me.
It's Me is also under an injury cloud with Cavanough rating his stable star as a 50-50 chance to start in the 1200m feature.
The four-year-old mare was set to undergo a vet's examination at 10am on Friday.
More to come