Bodyguard has failed a stringent pre-race veterinary inspection and has been scratched from the Blue Diamond Stakes.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt had been one of the top fancies for the Group 1 race over 1200m at Caulfield on Saturday.
Racing Victoria veterinarians inspected all 18 two-year-olds over Thursday and Friday, and all passed, with the exception of Bodyguard.
The colt was displaying signs of lameness on Thursday and was reinspected on Friday morning.
“The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Bodyguard was reinspected today by a panel of three veterinarians (two from RV and one independent) after displaying signs of lameness yesterday,” RV said in a statement on Friday.
“The colt had not improved and again presented with lameness. Accordingly, Bodyguard will be withdrawn from the race by RV Stewards acting on veterinary advice.”
Bodyguard had been a $7 chance in betting prior to his scratching.
News of Bodyguard’s official scratching saw Coleman firm from $4 into $3.70 while Lady Of Camelot sits on the second line of betting at $4.60.
The Snowden father-and-son training team will still be represented by High Octane ($6.50) and Fearless ($31) in Saturday’s race.
The scratching of Bodyguard paves the way for first emergency In Her Eyes to gain a start.
Bodyguard was a $6.50 chance with betting apps for the Blue Diamond.
