The market order for the Group 1 $1m Seven News Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday has had a minor shake up after the scratching of second favourite Fenway.
Fenway, blue with a white cap, has been ruled out of the Australian Oaks because of a hoof injury. Photo by Steve Hart.
Co-trainers Lee and Shannon Hope notified Racing New South Wales stewards on Thursday morning that Fenway had missed an important lead up gallop to the Australian Oaks after she developed a pulse in her near fore hoof and was found to be lame.
Stewards then scheduled an examination of Fenway by their veterinary surgeon Dr Craig Suann for Friday with the filly failing to be cleared to run on Day Two of ‘The Championships’.
Racing NSW then released the following press release: “Following an inspection at 2pm by RNSW Senior Official Veterinarian, Dr Craig Suann, Fenway has been withdrawn from its engagement in the Seven News Australian Oaks due to lameness in the near fore foot.”
Lee and Shannon Hope expressed their disappointment on twitter on missing out on having a runner in the Australian Oaks especially after the filly was one of the main chances following her upset win over First Seal in the Group 1 $400,000 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 28.
“”FENWAY” has officially been scr/d from @atc_races Oaks. A real shame for everyone involved but her best interests are foremost,” Lee and Shannon Hope tweeted.
Before her withdrawal Fenway was listed as the $6 second favourite behind the Chris Waller trained Winx who has now firmed slightly from $4.20 to head the market order for the Australian Oaks at $3.80 with Ladbrokes.com.au.
Thunder Lady is now marked at $4.80 with Ballet Suite at $6 and New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria at $6.50.
Australian Oaks market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.80 Winx, $5 Thunder Lady, $6 Ballet Suite, $6.50 Savaria, $10 Candelara, $16 Gust Of Wind, Adrift, Rustic Melody, $17 Zarzali, $31 Sweet And Speedy, Wine Tales, $126 Wildenstein.
