The participation of Globe in this Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) is in serious doubt after trainer Mick Price confirmed the gelding is suffering from irritation in his off-front fetlock joint.

The seven-year-old, who secured his spot in the field following victory in the Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield, had connections pay a $200,000 late-entry fee to chase the prestigious Moonee Valley feature. However, a mandatory Sleip Test conducted on Monday has put his participation under scrutiny.

“He had to do a Sleip test yesterday, which is a video of their action,” Price told Racing.com. “RV contacted ‘Junior’ yesterday and said on half of the Sleip test, the horse wouldn’t pass. I’ve contacted the owners and let them know.”

Racing Victoria veterinarians are expected to visit Price’s Cranbourne base later in the week to reassess the gelding’s fitness. Price said Globe had spent time at the beach in an effort to ease the issue but made it clear he would not take any risks with the horse’s welfare.

“They’ll come Thursday, have a look, they might come Friday, they might leave it until Saturday morning,” Price said. “He’s got irritation in the off-front fetlock, and if he’s not right, he won’t run.”

Price confirmed that X-rays had shown no bone problems, but there was inflammation in the soft tissue around the joint. “It’s bone clean, but there’s irritation in the joint capsule. If he’s not 100 per cent on Saturday, that’s it,” he said.

Despite the setback, Price believes Globe has a bright future. “He’s only had 15 starts and would be a beautiful Sydney horse in the autumn,” he said.