Queensland Derby winner Brambles has suffered a setback which is likely to derail his Cups campaign.
Trainer Peter Moody confirmed the gelding succumbed to travel sickness during a trip from Queensland to Sydney and while he appeared to have recovered, Moody said it had thrown a spanner in the works.
“I would suggest that’s going to set him back,” Moody told Sydney’s Sky Sports radio.
“I did nom him for the Cups and the Cox Plate but I would have to think now that it’s seriously not on the table.
“We’re probably more looking at a late spring campaign but he has appeared to have recovered nicely.”
Brambles underlined his staying credentials during the Brisbane winter carnival when he won the Group Three Rough Habit Plate and Grand Prix Stakes before adding the Derby.
Stablemate Mid Summer Music was also to the fore in Brisbane where she claimed her first Group One win in the Stradbroke Handicap.
Moody said she had done well and would be targeted towards the major sprints later in the carnival.
“She might have to take Black Caviar’s void for the spring,” he said.
Melbourne’s reigning premier trainer, Moody looks to have plenty of depth in his spring team despite the absence of Black Caviar.
Manighar had a jump out at Caulfield earlier this week and will resume in early to mid September with the Makybe Diva Stakes a possible starting point.
Moody is also excited about the lightly-raced Moment Of Change who is set to resume on Saturday week.
“He’s the wildcard for us. He’s one we’ve always held an extremely good opinion of,” Moody said.
“He got hampered by wet tracks in Sydney in the autumn. I’ve got a lot of time for the horse and I’m very pleased with the way he’s stepped up.”
As for Black Caviar, Moody said the mare was enjoying some rest and relaxation and finally appeared to have turned the corner following her gruelling trip to England.
“Yesterday I went and had a look at her and it’s the first time she’s started to have a buck and a play since she’s been home so that was a good sign,” he said.
Moody said he would meet with the champion’s owners, possibly as early as next week, to “try to map out the future”.
