Pre-race favourite Alpine Eagle has been scratched from the today’s $500,000 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

A Cox Plate start is now in jeopardy for the Tony McEvoy-trained four-year-old after he was found to be suffering from a hoof abscess.

McEvoy wil now be hoping to start Alpine Eagle in the Caulfield Stakes or Toorak Handicap next Saturday to try to cement a Group One win and secure a place in the Cox Plate field on October 24.

Meanwhile Dwayne Dunn will be reunited with star South Australian star Happy Trails in thw Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and also is booked for the Cox Plate ride.

Dunn replaces Glen Boss aboard the three-time G1 winner for the first time since their heartbreaking defeat in the 2013 Cox Plate behind Shamus Award.

The pair combined to win the 2013 Turnbull Stakes at their previous outing.

Trainer Paul Beshara said Happy Trails was in perfect order as he chases his second Turnbull in three years.

“I can’t fault the horse, he’s pretty much exactly where I want him and I would be disappointed if he can’t run in the top three,’’ he said.