Connections at Randwick could be forgiven for thinking they were only competing for the minor money cheques in the last race on the card, but after the scratching of boom sprinter Masked Crusader their spirits are sure to be lifted.
Burgeoning spring star and a hot favourite for the Bisley Workwear Handicap (1200m), Masked Crusader was withdrawn on Friday after a boil was discovered in the horse’s mouth.
The field for the final race has now been reduced to 10 with several other fancied runners, including the in-form $1 million blueblood Quantico, also coming out.