Golden Slipper scratching Smart Missile continues to please trainer Anthony Cummings ahead of Saturday’s AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick.
Although there is a $3 million difference in prizemoney between the two races, Cummings is looking forward to having a Group One victory beside the colt’s name.
Second favourite Smart Missile, the only horse to have ever beaten eventual winner Sepoy, was withdrawn by the vet behind the barrier shortly before the scheduled start of Saturday’s Slipper after getting his leg over the partition.
Under the rules it is up to the vet’s discretion to scratch a horse in such a situation depending on how long the incident has been – in Smart Missile’s case 40 seconds.
Cummings galloped Smart Missile on Sunday, the colt passed a barrier test on Monday and pleased the trainer with his work on Tuesday.
“He worked with a mate this morning to give him something to pay attention to,” Cummings said.
“He went out over a bit longer and a bit slower given the wet conditions but really pleased.
“He seems to be on top of his game and hopefully he shows that on Saturday.
“I know he will go in to the barriers, I just want him to come out the front not the back!”
Rival trainer Chris Waller was among the crowd observing the drama before realising his charge, Fast And Sexy, had done the same thing and was also withdrawn.
The filly was also ordered by stewards to complete a barrier test which she did with flying colours on Tuesday and she will also run in the Sires.
“Fast And Sexy had a good workout over 600 metres with Tromso and Fulgora,” Waller said.
“They galloped on the back straight of the course proper at Rosehill so it was good work.”
Sepoy has been sent for a spell and will not contest any more of the two-year-old races this season.
AAP TURF
