Connections of Torcedor have confirmed that their charge has been ruled out of the Lexus Melbourne Cup after a “low-grade virus” prevented him from entering quarantine as planned.

The six-year-old was bought by Australian Bloodstock and he was moved to train under Andreas Wohler.

Torcedor’s last race on English soil was under Jessica Harrington and he finished second to Stradivarius in the Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes.

He also finished third to the John Gosden charge in the Ascot Gold Cup and big things were expected of the bay gelding.

Torcedor made a disappointing debut for Wohler when coming home last in a German Group One last Sunday and he has now failed to start his quarantine period for the November 6 race.

Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock told www.racing.com: “He was due to go into quarantine in Germany, but he left some feed the night before so they pulled some blood and there was a low-grade virus there and so they wouldn’t let him into quarantine.

“He’s too good a horse to take a risk with. I don’t want to travel a horse when they are flat as it can bring on travel sickness.

He’s only had 20 starts and we bought him with the view that he’d be long term.

“He’s a gelding and very sound, so we can race him for another couple of seasons if we look after him.

“Because he’s had a long season, we might just decide to give him a break and target the Sydney Cup and maybe even take him back to Ascot because he’s got form there.”

Cross Counter and Withold are now the joint favourites for the race in two months at odds of 13.00.