The best Gr 1 Golden Slipper in 20 years is expected this year, and one of its leading contenders is about to miss a major lead-up race.
Team Hawkes, no stranger to winning the big juvenile race, put the polish on the unbeaten boom youngster REMARQUE (Snitzel-Response).
But, even though he trialled like a bonafide superstar a few days ago, he will be scratched from the upcoming Gr 2 Silver Slipper Stakes, traditionally a super lead-up to the big one.
“Unfortunately, today we woke up to find he has a temperature and we have had to treat that.
“Which means he will not take his place in the Silver Slipper this Saturday,” said Michael Hawkes.
Remarque, who seemingly effortlessly deconstructed ZETHUS (Exceed and Excel-Melpomene) on debut, then the other day he was cantering when beaten a whisker in a barrier trial by Magic Millions winner SHAQUERO (Shalaa-Fimatino), looks top be a superstar.
He is currently 3rd fav at $7.50 in the Golden Slipper with Palmerbet.
Incidentally, Zethus conformed his rating among Godolphin’s elite babies when he at Gr 3 level following the loss to Remarque.
The boom 2YO, Remarque, now that he is a confirmed non-runner in the Silver Slipper, is running out of races in his lead-up to the $3million Golden Slipper set for March 20 at Rosehill Gardens.
