Dalasan needs a veterinary clearance before he can run in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes at The Valley.
Co-trainer Leon Macdonald, who prepares the five-year-old in partnership with Andrew Gluyas, said Dalasan would be an acceptor for Saturday’s 1200m race, but would have a final inspection in Adelaide ahead of being transported to Melbourne on Thursday.
Dalasan suffered cuts and abrasions when he slipped over after getting away from his handler prior to the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on August 14.
Macdonald said one of the wounds was still a bit “weepy” and causing a little concern.
“It’s alright, it’s not hurting him,” Macdonald said.
“It’s almost healed up, so he’s got to get a veterinary clearance which he’ll get probably on Thursday and then he can travel over.
“We intend to run him.”
Macdonald and Gluyas had programmed Dalasan to contest the Spring Stakes and the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville last Saturday before making his way to Melbourne for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday week.
But missing those two races has resulted in a change of plans.
Macdonald said the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on September 18 and the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 9 were possible assignments depending on how Dalasan performs on Saturday.
And Macdonald has not given up hope of getting Dalasan to the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 23.
“That’s his main go, but what a statement that is though,” Macdonald said.
“But it will depend on how he’s going as there is the Kennedy Cantala and the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington as well.
“We’ll just play it by ear.”
