Trainer Darren Weir had no excuses for Cox Plate placegetter Humidor as his immediate thoughts turned to the welfare of his second-sting runner.

After pushing Winx to a long neck when runner-up in last year's race, Humidor finished almost five lengths behind the champion mare in third place on Saturday.

Weir said Humidor ran a great race but had found two better in Winx and overseas challenger Benbatl.

"It just wasn't his day today but he's run well," Weir said.

"He followed Winx the whole way but in the end the first two were too good for him."

Kings Will Dream, who started favourite in last week's Caulfield Cup, was sent off a $31 chance but was pulled out of the race near the 1500m.

The trainer said the stayer was lame in the near hind leg and was being sent to the Ballarat veterinary clinic for further examination.

Kings Will Dream began awkwardly and rider John Allen thought he might have struck a nerve.