Stewards have scratched New Zealand two-year-old Qiji Phoenix from the Group One J J Atkins after excess mucus was found in his throat after a scope.
Chief steward Allan Reardon said he had spoken with trainer Donna Logan who reported the results of the scope.
“It was decided in fairness to all the horse be scratched. The scope was taken after he worked and the colt will stay here for the winter but won’t race again,” Reardon said.
Qiji Phoenix was expected to be a major player in the J J Atkins after an unlucky seventh in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes two weeks ago.
He was unbeaten in three runs in New Zealand before the sires.
Stradbroke Handicap runners Hooked and Hopfgarten have passed veterinary tests and will take their places in the Group One sprint.
The two were inspected a second time after concerns were raised about them on Tuesday.
“Both have been passed fit to run. Our vets will inspect Stradbroke runners who are stabled at the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon,” Reardon said.
