High-profile Everest contender Lost And Running has been scratched from the $15 million race because of lameness.
The John O'Shea-trained sprinter, rated one of the main threats to Nature Strip, was withdrawn the world's richest turf race on Saturday morning.
"A vet inspection this morning has found Lost And Running to be lame in the off hind leg and unsuitable to start in The Everest," a Racing NSW statement said.
Lost And Running finished fourth in the 2021 Everest and was second favourite to claim this year's edition.
Godolphin veteran Kementari will take Lost And Running's slot, giving trainer James Cummings his second runner.
In Lost And Running's absence, Nature Strip has firmed to $1.65 to win the Everest for a second time.
Australia's fastest thoroughbred sprinters will showcase their speed on an improving Randwick track.
The Randwick surface improved into the soft range on Friday afternoon and with light winds and clear skies forecast for Saturday, a further upgrade is possible.
And that is good news for trainer Joe Pride who will also have two runners in the race, in Eduardo and Private Eye.
While nine of Eduardo's 12 wins have come on rain-affected ground, Everest newcomer Private Eye dislikes wet going.
Eduardo is an Everest veteran, making his third attempt after running a mighty race to fill the minor placing behind Nature Strip in 2021.
Nature Strip is a $1.90 chance to defend his Everest title with Eduardo assessed at $12 but Pride says his veteran is not going to lie down in the straight.
"Eduardo has got the formula right to beat Nature Strip," Pride said.
"He's blessed with a lot of speed and that has brought (Nature Strip) undone on a few occasions so let's hope he can do it again.
"I'm so happy with both of them.
"I know you are going to hear that from trainers all the time but honestly they have had great preparations to get here, they are in peak condition and they will get conditions to suit."
