The 2014 Golden Slipper preparations of Earthquake are back on track after the undefeated filly impressed jockey Kerrin McEvoy with a strong gallop at Warwick Farm this morning.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy believes that Earthquake is in perfect condition heading into the 2014 Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Trainer Peter Snowden informed Racing New South Wales stewards yesterday afternoon that Earthquake had been treated with a mild antibiotic after being found with a temperature on Sunday, but reported that the daughter of Exceed And Excel had bounced back well from the minor setback.
McEvoy told TVN this morning that Earthquake felt perfect during her final serious gallop before the Group 1 event at Rosehill Gardens this weekend and he remains confident that the two-year-old is the horse to beat in the 2014 Golden Slipper field.
“She seemed nice and bright and I am quite happy with the way she did her work and ran nice time without too much asking,” McEvoy said.
“She worked with a partner, she sat back off him the first couple of furlongs and then joined him up and ran home in nice couple of furlongs.
“It gives me confidence that she ran nice time this morning without fully extending her.”
Racing New South Wales veterinary staff will continue to monitor Earthquake in the lead-up to the Golden Slipper on Saturday, but McEvoy believes that the temperature was only a temporary setback and said that he could not be happier with the condition of the Blue Diamond Stakes winner.
“Everything points to her being in nice order so hopefully she can keep going in that direction in the next couple of days,” McEvoy said.
“I couldn’t be happier, I think the temperature is only a slight bump in the road and hopefully that is all it was.”
The 2014 Golden Slipper odds of Earthquake drifted to $2.25 when news of the temperature broke yesterday afternoon, but have remain steady in the past 24 hours.
Team Hawkes-trained Mossfun has been the big market mover in 2014 Golden Slipper betting markets and is now into a quote of $6 after being available at odds of $7 following the conclusion of the barrier draw yesterday morning.
McEvoy will be having his seventh ride in the Golden Slipper this weekend after winning the 2011 edition of the race with Sepoy, finishing second with Sidestep in 2013 and missing the placings with Epaulette, Obsequious, Frasassas and True Jewels.
