Group 1 winner Zougotcha has suffered a minor setback and is out of the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick.
Trainer Chris Waller advised stewards on Wednesday that the three-year-old had an elevated temperature and would not be taking her place on Saturday.
“Mr Waller further advised that the filly will be directed towards the Surround Stakes on 25 February 2023, provided she pleases the stable,” Racing NSW stewards said.
Zougotcha had been a $3.40 second favourite when Light Fingers Stakes markets opened on Wednesday and in her absence, star Godolphin filly In Secret firmed into $1.85.
Golden Slipper heroine Fireburn ($6.50) is next pick, with Sheeza Belter and North Star Lass sharing the third line of betting at $9.50 apiece.
Thousand Guineas winner Madame Pommery ($19) will now be Waller’s sole representative in the filles’ feature, which the champion trainer captured for the first time last year with Fangirl.
Zougotcha is the second high-profile Sydney filly to suffer a setback in as many days with Anthony Cummings reporting on Tuesday that She’s Extreme would miss the autumn with a tendon injury.
