Cranbourne trainer Julius Sandhu has Lofty Strike back in the stable progressing towards a three-year-old campaign.
But before Lofty Strike can race again, he must first be cleared by Racing Victoria vets after the unbeaten colt was withdrawn on veterinary grounds from the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February.
Lofty Strike had been successful on the straight track at Flemington Caulfield in January before winning a division of the Blue Diamond Prelude two weeks before Melbourne’s premier two-year-old race.
But after showing signs of lameness in a trot-up two days before the race and again a day prior, Lofty Strike was ruled out of the race.
An embargo was slapped on Lofty Strike who must undergo an extensive veterinary inspection, including nerve blocks and diagnostic imaging before being permitted to race again.
Sandhu is hoping to set Lofty Strike for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“We have to do due diligence and tick off a few boxes along the way, but in terms of the horses’ condition, he’s perfect,” Sandhu said.
“The boxes that need to be ticked are more to do with the present embargo there is on the horse.
“It is what we need to satisfy with the Racing Victoria vets and so-on, so we’ll go through that journey as we go along and provide the scans and the x-rays and go from there.”
Sandhu said Lofty Strike was back in his Cranbourne stable with the trainer saying there was no rush in getting the colt up to full fitness.
“He’s in the stables and we’re working with him slowly,” Sandhu said.
“I’m also conscious of the fact that I don’t want to put too much pressure on the horse while the weather is the way it is right now, so we’ll take our time with him.
“The plan is to race him in the spring, absolutely.”
