A shoeing issue has caused an eleventh-hour headache for trainer Joe Pride as he battles to get Shalatin fit for the $5 million Golden Slipper.
The colt was found to be displaying lameness in his off-foreleg on Friday, an issue Pride’s stable vet believed to be caused by a plating problem.
The offending shoe has since been removed and Shalatin is receiving treatment to his foot before a scheduled replating later on Friday.
He will then undergo a further inspection by Racing NSW vets to determine if he is fit to start.
The only maiden in Saturday’s field, Shalatin had been a $26 chance with TAB fixed odds but drifted to $31 following news of his setback.
Stewards were still awaiting the results of further blood tests on Godolphin’s Slipper representative Ojai, who returned an abnormal blood profile in a routine sample taken on Thursday.
George Ryder Stakes contender Mo’Unga has also undergone a blood test after presenting with an elevated temperature on Friday morning and pending the results, he may be required to undergo a veterinary examination to clear him to race.
A Rosehill Guineas winner on the corresponding program last year, Mo’unga is vying for George Ryder Stakes favouritism at $4, just behind Forbidden Love ($3.80 fav).
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