Favourite Lucas Cranach has been scratched from Saturday’s Group One Australian Cup at Flemington.

The Anthony Freedman-trained German import has reportedly suffered a leg injury which will require surgery.

He will miss the remainder of the autumn but Freedman hopes to have him back for the spring.

In his absence, 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain has regained favouritism for the Australian Cup (2000m) and was at $2.20 with TAB Sportsbet on Friday.

The Bart Cummings-trained Illo is the $5.50 second pick ahead of Manighar at $6.