An elevated temperature has ruled Cleveland out of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The Melbourne Cup field has been reduced to 23 with news the Lloyd and Nick Williams-owned Cleveland has been scratched from the race. 

Having passed a Racing Victoria veterinary inspection on Monday, trainer Kris Lees reported to Racing Victoria Stewards later in the afternoon that Cleveland had an elevated temperature and was not fit to take his place in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday. 

Cleveland was officially withdrawn from the Cup at 5.40pm on Monday on veterinary advice. 

Lees will still be represented by Kalapour in Tuesday's race after the stayer won the Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday to cement his place, while the Williams' still have Serpentine in the Cup, prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. 

Lloyd Williams is chasing an eighth success as an owner in the Cup. 

The Mike Moroney-trained Alenquer remains in doubt for the Cup as he recovers from a stone bruise first reported on Sunday. 

Alenquer will undergo a veterinary test prior to Tuesday's 7.30am scratching time.