The 2014 Golden Slipper odds of Earthquake have continued to lengthen; with the favourite currently available at a quote of $2.50 to take out the Group 1 event at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Earthquake remains a narrow favourite in 2014 Golden Slipper betting markets, but her odds have lengthened in the past 48 hours. Photo by: Steve Hart
Earthquake was available at Golden Slipper odds of $1.90 before the barrier draw was conducted on Tuesday, but she drifted out to $2.10 after drawing barrier 13 and her price has gotten longer as the week has progressed; with punters wary to take the short odds on offer after Peter Snowden reported that the daughter of Exceed And Excel had come down with a mild temperature last Sunday.
The Darley team are adamant that Earthquake has recovered from the minor setback, but Bloodstock Manager admitted that the temperature did put a scare through the entire camp.
“I’m pleased to say that she’s surprised us with how well she has rebounded,” Walsh said told AAP.
“She worked Wednesday and for all intents and purposes she has worked as normal and as well as she ever has.
“Not many horses have done the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper double and perhaps the temperature at the weekend is an indication of just how hard it is to do.
“I know Peter has been very open about two weeks being a long time for a two-year-old and unfortunately we got that message loud and clear this week.”
While Earthquake’s Golden Slipper odds have continued to lengthen, the support has come in droves for Team Hawkes-trained Mossfun; who is now available at a quote of $4.80 after being priced at $7 earlier in the week.
Mossfun finished second behind Earthquake in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 22, but trainer Michael Hawkes remains confident that the daughter of Mossman can turn-the-tables in the Golden Slipper this weekend.
“We are really happy,” Hawkes told TVN.
“Obviously last start was a really good effort and our filly just overraced a bit, but all credit to Earthquake; she did a good job and relaxed.
“We kept her on the fresh side heading into the Slipper, as it is her grand final, but she worked well this morning and we are happy with where she is at.”
Earthquake and Mossfun are the only two horses that are available at single figure Golden Slipper odds; with Darley colt Ghibellines and Peter Moody-trained Bring Me The Maid on the third line of betting at a quote of $11.
Skyline Stakes winner Valentia ($17) and Magic Millions Classic runner-up Oakleigh Girl ($18) have both received a sprinkling of support, while Memorial is now into a price of $61 after being available at $101 earlier in the week.
