A tendon injury has forced the scratching of German stayer Loft from the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup second favourite Loft has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup with a tendon injury. 

Racing Victoria stewards said the stayer had failed its veterinary inspection prior to being eligible to accept for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. 

All 32 horses remaining in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington underwent a veterinary examination before acceptances for the Cup which close at 4.30pm on Saturday. 

A further veterinary inspection of the final field will take place on Monday. 

Following Friday's examination, the Marcel Weiss stable subsequently advised Loft had a tendon injury in its nearside foreleg and would be withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup. 

Loft had been the $7 second favourite with TAB for the Melbourne Cup before his scratching. 

Deauville Legend has shortened further in TAB betting and is now the $3.80 favourite ahead of Without A Fight at $8. 

News that Loft has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup leaves last year's winning rider James McDonald without a Cup mount. 

Loft is expected to remain in Australia and join the Lindsay Park stable of Ben and J D Hayes.