VRC Oaks winner Mosheen is shaping as Melbourne’s last mare standing following the emergence of yet another potential spring casualty.
Trainer Mick Price delivered the latest blow on Tuesday, announcing his Blue Diamond Stakes-winning filly Samaready had missed a vital gallop and was an unlikely starter in Saturday’s Group Three HDF McNeil Stakes at Caulfield.
As a result, she will probably miss her first spring target, the $1 million Golden Rose in Sydney.
Price said Samaready hadn’t touched her evening meal on Monday, often the first sign of a problem.
He said the filly was bright enough and her temperature was normal, but he wasn’t prepared to risk working her and worsening any issue that may exist.
“It’s probably a white cell problem,” Price said.
“We’ll get her blood done and see what happens.
“But at this stage she’ll miss Saturday’s run which means she’ll probably have to miss the Golden Rose in Sydney.”
Samaready joins the superstar mares Black Caviar and Atlantic Jewel on the absentee list, although in her case the non-appearance is likely to be temporary.
As Price announced Samaready’s fate, Melbourne’s remaining glamour female Mosheen was back in her stable having taken another step in her recovery from throat surgery.
“She galloped on the course proper this morning and was really keen, no sign of any problem,” said trainer Robert Smerdon.
“That’s the second piece of strong work she’s done since she had the procedure on her throat.
“She’s been scoped every second day, I couldn’t be happier with her.”
Smerdon’s enthusiasm was matched by that of Mosheen’s regular partner Danny Nikolic.
“Her work was perfect, she pulled up well, her breathing was good, everything is looking great,” Nikolic said.
Mosheen will return to racing in the Group Three Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 8.
Smerdon will then decide on another run before tackling the Group One Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 13.