The final field for the  Durban July has changed once again after ruling favourite Star Major, was withdrawn on veterinary grounds, paving the way for Choisaanada to secure a place in South Africa's premier race.

Trainer James Crawford confirmed to SAHorseracing.COM that the decision to scratch the horse followed concerns over its health.

"The horse has an elevated temperature and we did blood work on the horse and it didn't match. Hence we scratched it," Crawford said.

The development is significant given the horse's position at the head of the betting market and comes just days before the running of the country's biggest race.

The late withdrawal has opened the door for Choisaanada, who now takes his place in the field from draw four after initially missing out on a berth.

Owner Brian Jossel acknowledged that the controversy surrounding the selection process remains unresolved, even though his horse has now been afforded the opportunity to compete.

"The stink won't go away but we're in and happy abt that," Jossel told SAHorseracing.COM. Jossel also said that he called James Crawford to offer his sympathies on the scratching and it was not the way he wanted to get into the race.

Jossel's comments underline that, while Choisaanada's inclusion resolves the immediate issue for the connections, it does little to silence the debate that followed the original announcement of the final field.

Attention now shifts back to the race itself, with Choisaanada set to start from barrier four following the late reshuffle to the Durban July line-up.