Spring carnival plans for Double Image hang in the balance after his shock defeat at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Apprentice Anthony Allen expressed concern about the galloping action of Double Image, the $1.70 favourite, after he failed to beat a rival home in the Uniform Management Services Handicap (1000m).
“He felt a bit awkward pulling up after the race but the hard going might’ve been the cause of that,” Allen told a stewards’ inquiry.
“When he won first-up at Doomben the heavy going suited him but with his history of knee problems the track was probably a bit firm for his liking today.”
Double Image was operated on to remove bone chips after he finished last at Eagle Farm in November.
Trainer Les Kelly harboured ambitions of a trip to Melbourne for sprint assignments with Double Image during the spring but those plans are on hold.
Allen said Double Image travelled comfortably in third place behind Carry To Fortune and Tycoon Tattoo to the home turn but the gelding was soon under pressure.
“I was happy with the way he was travelling in the first half of the race but when I pressed the button there was nothing there,” Allen said.
Winning owner Jock Bremner is considering selling Carry To Fortune ($7) after she led throughout to score by a neck from Haizum ($6.50) with Norocos ($6.50) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Bremner bred Carry To Fortune but is scaling back on his thoroughbred breeding operation and has put the for sale tag on the six-year-old mare.
“I’m nearly 80 years old and getting towards the end of my racehorse breeding career so she’s for sale if someone wants to offer the right price,” Bremner said.
Carry To Fortune emerged triumphant after an early speed battle with Tycoon Tattoo and was able to withstand a late challenge from Haizum.
“She was doing it tough the last 100 metres but she had enough of a break to hold on,” winning apprentice Tegan Harrison said.
Veteran sprinter The Jackal pleased apprentice Maija Vance with his effort to finish fourth at his first start since February last year.
“He got a little bit tired in the final 100 metres but that was to be expected considering it was his first run in a long time and he’ll be much better for the run,” Vance said.
